Frequently Asked Questions

Do I share my car?

No, the vehicles are purchased, owned, and maintained by the car share.

Is this car pooling?

Car pooling is for fixed-route travel, usually to commute to work. Car sharing is for all other vehicle use. You could easily bus, bike, walk, or car pool to work and car share when you otherwise need a vehicle. LTD does a great job coordinating regional car pools here.

When can I start?

Lane Car Share is at least a few months from operating. We'll use this time to make sure everything goes smoothly and ensure our future. For now, we're engaging potential members and looking for volunteers to help set up the organization.

How will it work?

Once you become a member, you may reserve a car at any time online or on the phone. Pick up the car from its home location with a special access card. When you're done, return the car to its home location and lock it.

How can I become a member?

You will need a relatively clean driving record. There will probably be a member share purchase required, but the amount has not yet been decided. Member shares are 100% refunded when you leave the organization.

How does gas work?

If the gas drops below half a tank, please fill the tank. A gas card will be provided to pay for this (the cost of gas is included in the mileage fee).

How does insurance work?

The car share will carry insurance to cover all members while they are driving car share vehicles. No personal insurance will be required. Other insurance details have not yet been determined.

How do I pay?

You may pay a monthly invoice online with a credit card, although other options will likely be available.

How much will it cost?

Less than a for-profit car share, and probably less than owning a car if you use a vehicle less than five times a week. Our rates will be determined by our members, chosen to balance affordability with quality of service and capability to expand.

Is car sharing only for people who don't own a car?

Car sharing also makes sense if your household needs a second car less than five times a week. Or if you need occasional access to a minivan or pickup, but want to own a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

How do I donate or sell my car to the car share?

Contact us for details if your vehicle is <5 years old, has an automatic transmission, and has power door locks. Older pickup trucks will also be considered. In general we're interested in minivans, pickup trucks, and fuel-efficient cars--no SUVs or full-size cars, please.

How much cheaper than car ownership is car sharing?

That depends on how much you drive and what type of car you own. To calculate your total cost of car ownership (including "hidden" costs), check out AAA's excellent guide (pdf link). Their 2008 estimates range from $0.36 to $0.91 per mile. Once we set rates, we'll be able to help you determine your savings.

How is car sharing different from car rental?

It's easy to book a car share vehicle 24/7 online or on the phone. To rent a car you must sign paperwork during their office hours. Car sharing allows you to use a car for a few hours without paying for a whole day. Car rental is more cost-effective for very long trips (around 0.02% of car trips). Our car share will be a local not-for-profit, unlike large rental companies.

Who are you?

Branden Rishel has recently relocated to Eugene from Victoria BC, where he was the manager of the successful Victoria Car Share Co-op. The Victoria Car Share has 20 vehicles and hundreds of members in a city about the same size as Eugene and Springfield. He is currently volunteering his time to start the Lane Car Share, along with several other talented community members. We'll add profiles of our advisory board soon.

If we haven't answered all of your questions, please email us!