SUMC is participating in an innovative new study in partnership with carsharing operator Getaround and the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

What is peer-to-peer carsharing?  

Often called “Airbnb for cars,” peer-to-peer carsharing allows people to rent cars from other people in the neighborhood. Since the average car sits unused 95% of the time, the service provides a great opportunity for car owners to make some extra money while also increasing transportation options for their neighbors. According to Getaround, car owners make on average $500 per month renting their cars to their neighbors. There are no membership fees for renters.

What are the benefits for the community?

Peer-to-peer carsharing has the potential to offer significant social and environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering transportation costs, and improving public health. For instance, existing research shows that each shared car can take between 9 to 13 other cars off of the road. New York University recently published a report outlining the local economic benefits of peer-to-peer carsharing, especially for middle and lower income Americans.

How can you participate?

Getaround is working with CNT – the former operator of IGO CarSharing – and SUMC to further study these benefits. The goal of these organizations is to expand the number of ways in which residents can move around the ward while also limiting congestion, improving air quality, and making it possible to live well without owning a car.

Eligible car owners live in Chicago or Evanston and have cars that are:

  • Manufactured on or after the year 2005.
  • Have fewer than 125,000 miles.
  • Have 8 or less seats
  • Be a private passenger vehicle with at least four wheels.
  • Have photos of all four sides of the vehicle uploaded to the Getaround website to confirm no prior damage or any existing damage
  • Have not been issued a salvage/repair title

Eligible renters:

  • Live in Chicago or Evanston.
  • Are at least 19 years old.
  • Have no major violations or alcohol/drug related incidents in the past three/seven years.
  • Have no more than two violations or accidents combined in the past three years.
  • Drivers under age 21 must have a clean driving record (no violations or accidents in the last three years).
  • Must have been licensed for at least two years.

If you’re interested in learning more about sharing your car, you can sign up here.

Residents without cars can search for cars nearby on Getaround’s website.