Car sharing project is launched

The sharing network boasts 340,000 car-sharing members

A web-based car sharing scheme has been launched which now means the network covers the whole of Wales.

The project aims to match up car drivers and passengers willing to share a journey and split the costs.

The new north Wales scheme links into three other car-share networks, which its backers claim makes Wales the first country to offer universal coverage.

Launching the project, the deputy first minister said it was a "great advance" in sustainable transport.

"Car-sharing is one of the greenest forms of travel and contributes towards reducing single occupancy car travel and congestion particularly during peak periods," said Ieuan Wyn Jones, as the scheme went live in Conwy.

"I am keen that we promote a wide range of measures and solutions to encourage smarter choices and more sustainable travel choices.

"As well as being fun and potentially saving members many hundreds of pounds a year, we hope it will encourage even more people to give it a go."

'Northwalescarshare.com' pledges to offer a free, bilingual service, and boasts 340,000 members registered across the whole of the UK's 'liftshare' network.

The databases also link with three other schemes covering Wales, including the south-east Wales consortium Sewta, which claims its car-share users save nearly a million miles in additional journeys a year.

Safety concerns

Users enter their personal details into the online database, either offering lifts or requests for transport.

The database then tries to match people together.

The website also tries to address possible safety concerns of those who might consider using the service, and pledges to keep details, such as addresses and phone numbers private.

The north Wales project has been setup as part of the work of the group Taith, which brings together the region's six councils to deliver improvements to public and sustainable transport.

Ron Davies, the chairman of Taith, said: "Car-sharing works whether you have a car or not, sharers who own a car can take turns driving, while those without a car can simply contribute to the driver's expenses.

"Wales is the first country to provide all its citizens with access to a bilingual, public on-line car-share system and I am confident Northwalescarshare.com will help many thousands of people across Wales save money, reduce pollution and congestion, improve mobility and enjoy more sociable journeys."