Blogs and Facebook Pages are buzzing with this month's launch of the new Autolib car sharing service in Paris. The car service is based on the popular Velib (bicycle service).
You can use the Autolib service if you are resident by signing up for a annual or short term membership. Annual membership costs 12 Euros/month, plus usage fees. Overall, the costs are very affordable especially if you consider the cost of car ownership (outrageous and unnecessary). The idea, like Velib is for short term rental, in half hour increments within the city.
Currently in a two month test phase, there are according to some sources, 66 electric cars available for rent by the half hour. The goal of the program is reportedly to reduce car ownership. Ultimately, the plan is to expand the service to 1200 stations by the end of next year.
Intuitively, I like the idea of having a quick, convenient, affordable and eco friendly car rental service. However when I really gave it some thought, I wonder for what I would actually use this service? I am a big supporter of public transit and public transit in Paris is fantastic. You do not need a car in Paris. Yes, for some reason there are still a lot of cars, why I really have no idea.
I lived in Paris for two years and never, never once missed having a car within the city. The only time I needed a car was if I was picking up something that I could not get on the metro or walk home in my shopping cart. On most occasions this was as a result of a visit to Ikea. A short rental service to pick up a shelf or some sort of furniture kit from Ikea, I can get on board with that. The problem, these electric cars seem not much bigger than a Smart car. I cannot see myself getting my build your own Ikea furniture home in one of these electric cars.
So what I ask is the need for these cars?
Take transit, walk or cycle.
Love to hear you chime in on the value of Autolib.
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