Aucklanders will now have more transport choices – thanks to Auckland Transport’s (AT’s) new car share policy.

Evidence shows that car share helps to reduce overall car travel and reduces demand for on-street parking.

It also helps contribute to reducing emissions - as more fuel-efficient vehicles are used.

Car sharing schemes have been hugely successful in cities around the world. By 2016, almost a third of Vancouver’s adult population had one or more car sharing memberships.

The policy is expected to attract several new operators to the Auckland market, with a 30 per cent discount for on-street parking for operators for the first year.

The policy will mean discounted parking leases in AT-managed carparks; and on-street car share bays will be available to approved operators.

The membership-based service is available to all qualified drivers.

Members typically unlock the car by a card or app. Once they have completed a trip, members return the car to an allocated space, or designated zone.

The policy also recognises the need to ensure parking for residents and business owners – with a cap on the number of car share bays within the city centre / fringe.

Hamish Bunn, AT’s group manager of policy, says that car share - when combined with public transport and active modes - can help provide Aucklanders with a great alternative to the cost of car ownership.

“AT is keen to support car share, while also recognising the needs of other transport customers. We think this policy sets the right balance,” says Mr Bunn.

To provide for new operators, AT plans to consult on an increase to the number of allocated car share parking spaces over the next six months.

Find out more information about the new policy.