Or perhaps ZipCar isn't the business to emulate/disrupt but rather Lyft. I could imagine the poor getting a ride to their work much faster than the bus, and if it's faster that means more time with their children, more time for (or even the logistical ability to get) a second job, or hopefully more time to attend school. I could envision both outcomes: a service like Lyft that targets lower wage workers, or maybe even just subsidizing a Lyft membership.
The hazard I envision with ZipCar-lite is not only the monopoly the other commenter raised but also incidental costs (gas, accidents, etc) unless your plan is to subsidize those items, too.
The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so that patients can receive the life-saving treatments they need.
I wonder how well something like that would work. Lyft is pretty popular in big cities but unheard of where I am. Reaching volunteer drivers sounds like a good idea, I guess we can experiment and see how much it costs to sign up a volunteer thru marketing the cause. Thanks for the info, I'll see if I can reach out to someone who is part of that program and see if I can get some pointers.
Thanks, that's an excellent suggestion! With a Zipcar like situation, I was worried about insurance, accidents etc. However, if we were to do something like lyft, and get some people who get the donated cars be obliged to give fellow members a ride, that may lower the risk and amount of money needed to secure transportation for them.
I was even considering 12 passenger vans being given to one person who would get compensated for driving others to work on a daily basis. Thanks again for the suggestion
The hazard I envision with ZipCar-lite is not only the monopoly the other commenter raised but also incidental costs (gas, accidents, etc) unless your plan is to subsidize those items, too.
Best wishes for your project, it could be great!