CAR SHARING SCHEMES IN RESIDENTIAL ESTATES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Many Singaporeans desire to own a car due to the convenience that it will bring and also because a car is a symbol of status and prestige. However, due to the stringent measures implemented by the government, car ownership and usage have been restricted quite successfully. Car sharing can serve to fulfil the needs of Singaporeans for greater mobility by providing access to the use of cars without owning one. It serves as a complement to public transport and has the potential to reduce car ownership and use if it becomes more widespread and accepted by Singaporeans. The car sharing scheme has gained popularity among Singaporeans since its first launch in Toh Yi estate in August 1997 as there has been a growing number of members. The study shows that the majority of the car co-operative members in Toh Yi and Bishan were satisfied with the scheme. Cost savings were a major incentive for attracting car owners to join the scheme. Public transport accessibility also played an important part in affecting the decision of many Singaporeans to join the scheme. The car sharing scheme was more attractive to non-car owners who were most likely to be marginal car users. The 'convenience' of using a car that many want can be fulfilled by becoming car co-op members. However, the survey also showed that members faced several problems pertaining to the maintenance and cleanliness of the co-op cars, booking rejections faced, designated parking lots taken up by the public, car co-op site being located too far away from home and problems with the magnetic card and inaccuracy in billing.