A recent data shows that Victorian seniors have been selling their cars and getting into car sharing.
Australian carshare company GoGet has seen a spiked in seniors across Victoria, surging by 43% this year.
Particularly in areas like the CBD, Southbank & South Wharf, and Fitzroy North, 4750 seniors have taken trips via GoGet, using a range of vehicles including vans, SUVs, hatchbacks and convertibles.
GoGet Victoria general manager Justin Passaportis says it is becoming increasingly difficult for man y people to justify owning a car.
“Vehicles are your second most expensive asset after your home,” Passaportis says. “For an asset that’s unused most of the time it’s an expense many are looking to shed. GoGet offers a compelling alternative to vehicle ownership given the affordability, convenience, and variety of our service.”
In Victoria, the three postcodes with the highest number of seniors using GoGet are 3000 (Melbourne), 3006 (Southbank and South Wharf), and 3068 (Clifton Hill and Fitzroy North).
Passaportis says he expects the trend to continue, given Australia’s ageing population.
“As people approach retirement age, budgets tighten and many look to cut back on non-essentials. With the high ongoing cost of owning a vehicle, it is often one of the first things to go.”
The GoGet Seniors plan includes a no joining or ongoing monthly fee for senior card holders, which means they only pay when they drive. Free fuel is also included with every membership.
GoGet recently launched its discussion paper Remode, Reprice, Reshape: The Keys to Killing Congestion, highlighting the trned of seniors joining car share. Research has found that each car share vehicle removes an average of 10 private vehicles from the road.
GoGet operates in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Newcastle and Orange.
