Critical smog thresholds are being exceeded across cities these days, and initiatives for sustainable mobility are multiplying. Car sharing is an immediate, practical, affordable solution. Especially now that it costs 1 euro.
In all major European capitals, car sharing services are enjoying astonishing success. It is undoubtedly an important service, both for its role in shifting people's attitude from the concept of ownership to that of access, and because the vehicles chosen by companies are often newer, more efficient and more eco-friendly.
It is well established that car sharing makes a decisive contribution to reducing traffic and pollution in cities. According to a study by the University of California Transportation Center, the model is effective on two fronts. Before the introduction of the car sharing service in the urban area used as a case study in 2011, there were 0.43 cars per household; after the introduction of the service, 0.24. Reducing the number of cars in circulation and searching for parking makes a substantial contribution to reducing the space occupied, the ground footprint, and smog.
The other is that the vehicles chosen by provider companies are the most eco-efficient, advanced and environmentally friendly.
The traffic restriction in Milan has been in force since today, 9 December 2015, for 3 days for all Euro 3 Diesel vehicles without a Fap (particulate filter). Rainfall in northern Italy well below seasonal averages means that all urban areas of central and northern Italy are recording pollution levels above safety thresholds, and in particular levels of the most dangerous fine particles (PM10).
This is behind the breach of tolerance thresholds in Florence Signa on 6 December, with PM10 levels above 71 µg/m³, and the traffic ban in the Milan metropolitan area, which had exceeded the maximum level of 50 µg/m³ for ten consecutive days.
Every initiative aimed at reducing traffic and pollution, towards sustainable mobility, is welcome. To make it as easy as possible to adopt eco-virtuous behaviour, Share'Ngo has decided to drastically lower the barrier to entry for its services. For 3 days from today, the cost of registering with Share'Ngo is reduced from €10 to €1. The cars chosen by Share'Ngo are 100% electric, high-performance microcars, with a range of over 120 km and all the features typical of a city car: 2 seats, 300 litres of boot space, power brakes, power steering, rear parking sensor, air conditioning, adjustable seats and the enviable acceleration from traffic lights that is typical of electric vehicles.