Readers reflect on the pros and cons of car share programs

The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

Car share programs: good idea or too much trouble?

The best thing about car sharing in Rome is that you are guaranteed to always have a parking space. Car sharers have reserved parking spaces (when they're not 'illegally' occupied by others parking there) in some of the best and busiest places in the city center. There are supposed to be electric cars here too, but I haven't been able to test one out yet. -- Stefy, Italy

Yes, I think the idea is very good. These cars are very comfortable for a short distance. For example we don't need to burn so much poison in the air just when we need to make a normal shopping trip. In those cases, I would prefer to use such a car. -- Mesar, Bulgaria

An effective and efficient public (and private) transport system both on land and off is the way to save our natural energy resources and to conserve what we have left. We need to transport people in large quantities consuming the least resources. Sure, it is every human's dream to own their own automobile, but the reality is there just won't be enough energy to go around for much longer to expend on such a luxury.

We all wish to and often must arrive at our destinations very quickly due to our occupations. This is especially true when it comes to intercontinental flights - the convenience of traveling from North America to Europe in seven hours.

Compare this to traveling by ship, which would take more than several days. Now calculate how many passengers a ship can hold in one trip versus that of an airplane, and do the math for fuel used (and cost) per passenger. Nobody wants to make that trip by ship because it takes too long; however, it would save fuel consumed per person. Perhaps we shouldn't be rushing? Unfortunately, the concept of speed, and the privately owned automobile has spoiled us.

Car sharing will conserve resources, so I support it. Since people enjoy their own private space, they will be irresponsible when sharing, placing their own convenience as a priority over energy conservation. -- Eugene via Facebook

First on the list should be Sarkozy. After all, if that fellow cannot set an example, then why should anyone else? -- David via Facebook

Here in Brazil, people aren't ready for carrying out such a program, although cities like Sao Paulo really need an alternative to the huge traffic jams, which are a constant problem for their citizens. -- Helga Maria Saboia Bezerra via Facebook

I participate in one in San Francisco where there are TWO such programs, and they're expanding their operations. -- Henry, USA

It's a nice environmentally-friendly idea, but for Kenya it would take decades or have to be politically maneuvered. That makes it a wish and a dream. -- Alex, Kenya

Compiled by Greg Wiser
Editor: Martin Kuebler