New Zealand has a diverse population of around 5 million people. Most countries have cities with similar population density and they also face with a lot of transit and travel challenges. This population means that most large companies can test their products and see the reaction from the diverse population. The most populated city of New Zealand is Auckland, with a population of 1.377 million. Auckland suffers from chronic congestion, and as a result commuters are often looking at other transportation methods. The main alternative is to use public transport and shared means of transportation.
Auckland has a mix of trains and busses operating from most suburbs to and from the CBD. However, most people choose to drive to work as it allows them the opportunity to pick their times, compared to having to catch public transportation at given times. By driving alone, people do not have to suffer the pain involved with public transport, the top being body odour. However, with rising transportation costs, and the price of parking sky rocketing, people have to look at other alternatives. Recently, the trend of carpooling has been introduced to the island and has slowly been on the rise over the past 2 years. Carpooling is when people who live in or around similar area travel to work or same destination together rather than taking separate vehicles.
Carpooling allows for greater friendships to foster among groups, and create a sense of community for the people who car pool. Carpooling allows for costs to be lowered for each member, with an agreed amount to be paid on either a weekly or fortnightly basis to the nominated driver or the car owner. Some Carpool and Car Rental apps also include wear and tear as well as insurance. Although carpooling may seem instantly like a lucrative option, there are certain challenges faced by this unique industry. The biggest challenge is to allow 'strangers' to have your details such as address, number, and location of work. In an increasingly connected world, such details are sensitive and people want to be able to keep this information for people whom they trust. Certain car-pooling initiatives like Find My Ride NZ have invested heavily in creating apps developed for carpooling and Car Rental Agency, which allows for screening in order to minimise any impact on the users. However, one cannot guarantee this regardless of however many systems and vetting are put in place.
Another key challenge for the car pooling and Car Rental industry is to get people into the mindset to have everyone sharing one vehicle but this comes with time and sense of saving. The biggest misconception is that the timetables are not matching. Many car-pooling businesses have made their apps in such a way that you are able to put in certain times, and they are able to match with people. The concept of car-pooling will take time to engrain in the New Zealanders mind like it did for Car Hire New Zealand, however when it does, the impact will be felt for years to come due to the hidden hand of lowering carbon emissions. Carpool is really and truly the future of transportation.
Martin Wynn
