promoting car-sharing

Nobody living nearby? No public transport links? Even for sites in isolated areas, or those which attract staff from a wide rural hinterland, car-sharing can provide a smart alternative to single-occupancy vehicles.

Car-sharing Network

Smarter Choices operate the Share Smarter car share network, offering individuals the opportunity to enter their journey and search for others making a similar trip. Encourage your staff to register for free at www.sharesmarter.co.uk, and if your internet access is restricted, why not make this address specially de-restricted?

For many companies it may be worthwhile to set up your own sub-scheme on Share Smarter. Many people feel more comfortable sharing with people who work for the same organisation, and a sub-scheme such as this means that your staff have the opportunity to search and be contacted only by their colleagues.

Smarter Choices can set up a free sub-scheme for any organisation with more than 100 employees based on a single site, or on a business park. Contact us for more information.

However, simply having a car-share network will not be enough. A critical element in the success of a car-share scheme is getting people to register. You should, therefore, do all you can to promote the scheme. Great ideas include displaying posters and leaflets, as well as news items in your staff newsletter or distributing information along with wage slips.

Car-share coffee-club

A more low-tech solution to getting people car-sharing could be a social event such as a coffee-club. With attendees organised by postcode to make finding a match easier (perhaps wearing different coloured badges?) the opportunity to meet-up before any commitment is made can reduce the chance of any ‘bad matches’.

Incentives

One of the best incentives to promote car-sharing can be the provision of dedicated car-share parking bays. A guaranteed parking spot right next to the main entrance can be a great stimulus to getting people sharing. It also provides a highly visible advertisement for any people who may not be aware that the scheme is running. Other incentives may include free car-tuning sessions or car washes…

Guaranteed ride home

A fear of being left stranded if their lift falls through, or not being able to get home in an emergency, can be a real psychological barrier for many people. Luckily, it is easily overcome by offering a ‘guaranteed lift home’, whereby your company sources and pays for a taxi if it is ever needed, though in most schemes it very rarely is.