The national car sharing operator Co-wheels car club, now provides four low cost, low emission cars for hire from dedicated parking bays in the city centre on a short-term ‘pay as you drive’ basis.
Building on the successful network of Co-wheels community cars already in place at more than 60 towns and cities across the country, it’s aimed at both business and residential customers providing easy and affordable access to low cost car hire on subscription to members of the car club.
Delivered by Sunderland City Council and managed by the independent national car club operator and social enterprise, Co-wheels, whose head office is in Durham, the regional sustainable transport project is part funded through the North East Combined Authority (NECA).
Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for City Services, Councillor Michael Mordey, met one the scheme’s private use customers Jonathan Adams this morning at one of the designated city centre parking bays to share their views as members of the car club.
Councillor Mordey said: “Our city is committed to promoting sustainable transport, and I was delighted to be one of the first behind the wheel of one of the low cost, eco-friendly cars available for hire at convenient city centre locations near public transport links.
“I must admit I’d never driven an electric car before but the online tutorial made it easy, and there are petrol cars available too so there’s no problems.
” What we want to is make more people aware of the fact they can leave their car at home, and pick one up one easily in the city centre to drive either for business or personal use.”
One of the motorists taking up the opportunity is Jonathan Adams, 68, a retired Church of England priest and former community development worker in Ford, Pallion and Millfield who lives in Tunstall Vale.
He said: “Twenty years ago our kids didn’t need ferrying around any more. We thought there were too many cars in cities and we tried living without one. After two weeks we were happy with buses and bikes and we sold the car – no worries about the MOT or finding a parking space and more money to spare.
“I use public transport a lot, occasional taxis and have a contract with a car-hire firm for longer trips, but close to home Co-wheels is much more flexible. As a member you don’t have to rely on hire offices being open, and can pick one of four cars within a mile radius in the city centre including use in the evenings or at the weekend.”
” Last week I was in Carlisle and needed to make an awkward journey to a rural business. I went on the train and picked up a Co-Wheels car at the station for a couple of hours. It was much more restful than driving the whole way.”
Also taking to Co-wheels is William Harrison, a Governor Support Officer at Sunderland City Council, who drives one of the vehicles for business use throughout the day (8am – 6pm).
He added: “During the day I often go to meetings across the city and having access to a Co-wheels car adds to my travelling options alongside the bus and Metro. In one month alone, there has been immense time and cost savings to the Council not to mention the environmental benefits.
“I’m saving money (and arguments) by not bringing the family car to work and have been very impressed with all the models available.
” The Nissan Leaf is remarkably easy and comfortable to drive once you get used to it, and I’d encourage everyone to become a member of the car club.”
Co-wheels members book cars online and unlock them with a smartcard. At the end of the booking time the car is then returned to its bay for the next driver(http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11540).
The cars can be hired for periods of 30 minutes up to several days at a time, and are charged on a per-hour basis, enabling huge savings to be made on the cost of driving compared to car ownership.