It seems like just yesterday when car sharing was introduced to the masses, and we were all slightly skeptical of its eco-intentions. Years later, its validity is rising along with its popularity, thanks to increased environmental awareness and cringe-worthy gas prices.

After the success of its bike-sharing program Velib', Paris officials are introducing a fleet of 4,000 electric cars (2,000 within Paris, 2,000 in the suburbs) called Autolib' in late 2009, early 2010. Despite the fact that they run on electricity and not gas, some City of Light residents and members of the Green Party think any form of car sharing will detract from the more eco-friendly bike options. Their goal is less cars, regardless of the kind. But there is still a world of benefits to car sharing - something industry leader Zipcar knows well after years of experience.

After it merged with rival Flexcar in 2007, Zipcar established its dominance and became America's most used car sharing service. It currently boasts 200,000 members and 5,000 cars throughout the United States, Canada and Britain, and company officials claim that 40 percent of its members would have kept or purchased a vehicle if Zipcar did not exist.

"It causes vehicle owners to reevaluate their vehicle usage and whether or not they need to own a vehicle," [Susan Shaheen, research director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at the University of California] said.

"In many ways, car sharing can be perceived as a cultural change or notable shift in peoples' attitudes toward vehicle ownership due to the lifestyle and status importance of car ownership in the US." - AFP

With Autolib', drivers will have the option of renting cars from over 700 planned lots with drop offs at any of the established above and underground locations. Officials hope the program will make an impact from the beginning by dissuading young Parisians from purchasing their first cars, and the presence of the suburban fleet should offer commuters an alternative to pollution-heavy individual automobile ownership.

"Today we have consumer habits, whether it's going to Ikea or elsewhere, which necessitate that once in a while, even those who can't afford cars need to use one, and in this sense I think this will complement public transportation," [Pascal Husting, president of Greenpeace France], said. "We should be open to this type of initiative, knowing that there is not one solution to the problems of transportation and climate change." - The New York Times

While Autolib' is still in the developmental stages, Zipcar has monitored the benefits of car sharing in North America - and the results are promising for future companies. According to its website, car usage of individuals is reduced by as much as 50%, and members are more inclined to use alternative transportation on a regular basis. Other benefits include less demand for parking spaces (so companies save money on urban parking infrastructure), and lower fuel consumption and less congestion which means lower greenhouse gas emissions damaging environment.

While car sharing isn't as affordable as it could be, its spreading popularity means it one day could be. And with companies like U-Haul and Hertz pursuing their own versions of "sharing," the future is looking brighter for those who hope to live a car-owning-free lifestyle.

Further Reading:

• Pick Up Pal: A Ride Sharing Program and More