Car-sharing services that rent vehicles to registered users by the hour have been growing in popularity, mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. But three major companies, Orix Auto Co., Park 24 Co. and Meitetsu Kyosho Ltd., are now expanding such services in the Tokai region.
Car-sharing for many people makes economic sense because they don't have to own their own car or pay parking fees and operating costs, including gasoline and insurance, and some feel it makes environmental sense as well.
Normally, participants pay a monthly membership fee and are charged depending on the time they use the vehicle and the distance traveled. If they only use a shared car for a short time and distance, the service can be very cost-effective. In the case of Meitetsu Kyosho's Cariteco service, a user is charged ¥4,450 to rent a vehicle for 6 hours and cover 30 km. There is no charge for gasoline or insurance.