INQUIRER.net Stock Photo
Newly launched shareable cars in Seattle, USA, cost just $1 (P53) to unlock and 40 cents (around P21) per minute to drive it around.
Startup company Lime started its business by deploying a fleet of dockless shareable bicycles and electronic scooters, as reported by Bloomberg.
Now the company scaled up to accommodate more users through its “LimePod” fleet of shareable cars. The first wave of vehicles, which will debut this week, includes 50 cars. The company plans to increase the number by the end of November and eventually hit 1,500 cars on the road. This type of car-sharing is commonly referred to as “free-floating” car sharing because there is no designated location when availing oneself of the service.
Ordering a LimePod can be done through the Lime mobile app for Android and iOS. Payment for use of the car will also be done through the app. Once done, users need only park the LimePod appropriately and conclude the ride on the app.
Lime also plans to expand LimePod services into California by early 2019.
Shareable rides are gaining popularity in parts of the world as an affordable alternative form of transportation. With city streets getting more and more clogged up, renting a ride or a car appears to be a better choice than personally owning one. Alfred Bayle /ra