Liftshare and car clubs
Community transport solutions to help residents without access to a vehicle
Liftshare connects people making similar journeys so they can travel together in one vehicle.
Car clubs provide access to shared vehicles that individuals can book and drive themselves.
Liftshare
Liftshare (also known as carshare or rideshare) is a simple and effective way to connect people travelling to the same destination so they can share a car journey. This could be for a regular commute, a school run, a shopping trip, or a one-off event.
Liftshare helps reduce the number of single-occupancy car journeys, cuts travel costs, and supports residents who may not have access to a vehicle. It’s especially valuable in rural areas where public transport is limited or infrequent.
The simplest way to encourage liftshare in your community is to promote and use a service such as Hants Carshare, a free-to-join platform supported by Hampshire County Council.
Key features of liftshare
Liftshare is best suited for journeys to the same place at the same time (e.g. work, school, shopping, events).
Drivers may:
- share fuel or parking costs
- accept small voluntary donations
- take turns driving
It is illegal to make a profit from a liftshare arrangement.
How parish councils can support liftshare locally
While formal platforms like Hants carshare are ideal for structured matching, parish councils can also support informal liftsharing by creating safe, moderated spaces for residents to connect.
We recommend that parish councils create a closed Facebook group or private WhatsApp group for your parish or cluster of villages for this purpose. Set clear rules for respectful communication, safety, and privacy and promote the group via your website, noticeboards, and newsletters.
Encourage residents to post when they are:
- offering a lift to a regular destination
- looking for a lift to an event or appointment
Appoint a moderator (e.g. a parish councillor or community volunteer) to manage membership and ensure the group remains active and safe.
Case study: Shelswell liftshare WhatsApp group
In the Shelswell area of Oxfordshire, a group of villages created a Liftshare WhatsApp Group to help residents coordinate informal lifts to local events, church services, and appointments.
Key outcomes were:
- a reduction in duplicated car journeys and parking pressure
- improved inclusion for residents without transport
- strengthened community connections
Car club schemes
A car club owns or leases one or more vehicles that members can book and use when needed. Members typically pay an annual fee and a usage rate (per hour or mile). Vehicles are accessed via a secure key safe or smart technology (such as Bluetooth smartphone apps.)
Car clubs offer the flexibility of car use without the costs of ownership. Insurance, tax, servicing, and fuel are usually covered by membership and usage fees.
Car clubs work best in communities where:
- residents only need occasional access to a car
- there is a mix of users (e.g. retirees, one-car families, low-income households)
- public transport is limited or infrequent
Car clubs benefit users because they are cheaper than owning a private car, reduce the need for a second household vehicle, support low-carbon, sustainable transport, and encourage shared community resources.
Requirements
You'll need at least one car (purchased, leased, or donated). Electric vehicles are increasingly popular for sustainability and cost savings.
You'll also require a secure key safe or smart access system and a booking system (online or by phone).
An administrator, to manage bookings, invoices, and membership; and a vehicle manager to handle cleaning, servicing, and checks will be required. Having a local champion to promote the scheme is also useful.
These roles can be filled by volunteers or shared with neighbouring parishes.
Most car clubs will require:
- a full UK driving licence (held for at least 12 months)
- no more than 6 penalty points
- a clean driving history
These criteria may exclude some residents, so consider offering alternative transport options alongside the car club.
Typical costs
The organisation will need to pay for:
- vehicle purchase or lease
- insurance, tax, MOT, servicing, and breakdown cover
- a booking system and admin support
- marketing and community engagement
- a replacement vehicle fund
Initial funding may be needed for setup and the first 1 to 2 years. After that, membership and usage fees should cover ongoing costs.
Planning your scheme
Parish councils should consider:
- how many vehicles are needed
- what size or type of vehicle will be most suitable
- if bookings be taken online, by phone, or both
- charges for membership and usage
You could speak to other car clubs to understand costs and challenges. Consider applying for grants or local funding.
CoMo UK is a national shared transport charity offering further guidance.
Car Club case studies
Eastleigh Travel Hub (Hampshire)
This transport initiative, operated by Co Wheels (a national car club provider) offers shared electric vehicles alongside e-bike hire. Strategically located near public transport links, the service is designed to support multimodal travel, making it easier for residents to combine different forms of sustainable transport.
As part of Hampshire’s wider sustainable transport strategy, the scheme aims to reduce reliance on private cars and promote alternative travel options across the region.
Tisbury Electric Car Club (Wiltshire)
This community-run scheme provides shared electric vehicles for local residents, helping to improve access to transport in rural areas where public options are limited. Members can book vehicles online and collect them using a secure key safe system.
The scheme is supported by local volunteers and grant funding.
The more people are in the group, the better the prospects of sharing lifts, of being more inclusive, and of being more responsible in our individual travel plans.