Although newer in North America, car sharing has grown to become a vital part of integrated transportation systems in Europe, where car sharing fleets link with rail, transit and taxi systems. Evolving partnerships . The Parking Authority of Toronto is now working with AutoShare to station cars in neighbourhood lots across the city, close to subway stops. AutoShare also has a car rental agency partner, providing cars for longer trips at favourable rates for members. Car use reduction .
Car sharing provides an economic incentive to alter patterns of car use.
Car sharing converts the fixed costs of car ownership to variable costs which can be reduced by more frequent use of transit, cycling and walking. Future directions . Future directions for AutoShare include the addition of hybrids, alternative fuel and electric vehicles to its fleet. A car reservation system with telephone and internet access is currently in development. Eventually, smart cards and on-board computers will make AutoShare even more efficient.