Sderot joined last week in the list of cities where shared car services operate, a car for short-term rental, designed to be used by those who do not own a car, and need one for a short trip or a day.
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Two companies won a tender issued by the municipality, Shlomo Share, which is owned by the Shlomo Group, and City Car, which specializes in the ultra-Orthodox sector, and has recently also entered new markets. The municipality provided each of the companies with 4 parking spaces, throughout the southern city: near the local community center, at the entrance to the city and in the neighborhoods, in locations where there are no parking loads.
Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi said, “We are investing a lot of effort to bring innovative and technological solutions for smart transportation to the city, which will provide a quality solution for residents, reduce dependence on private vehicles and public transportation and connect the city to all parts of the country.” “Available for accessible, high-quality shared transportation without any financial commitment. The cooperation with the winning companies will allow young drivers and soldiers to get around easily, safely and comfortably on weekends, and will also allow residents to use a shared vehicle when needed, right near the house.”
Shlomo share will offer Kia Picanto vending machines at a price of NIS 160 for 24 hours, including a deductible. City Car will park cars only in the coming days, and it has not yet been decided whether these will be small or family cars, but it also offers rental by the hour: NIS 20 for the first hour, NIS 30 for two hours, with discounted rental offers at the least requested hours. In both companies, the customer opens the vehicle using an app, through which he also orders the vehicle, and City Car also has a call center for this.
City Car, specializes in the ultra-Orthodox sector, and is currently the largest cooperative car company in the country, with about 400 cars according to its reports. However, the company also imposes unique restrictions on its customers, which are clear to ultra-Orthodox customers, but will surprise customers who are not Sabbath-keepers. For example, the company does not charge customers for car rental hours on Saturdays, but also prohibits its use during those hours.
A tenant who travels or only opens a City Car vehicle between the beginning of Shabbat and its departure, risks a fine of NIS 10,000 according to the company’s price list. City Car says that anyone who provides the company with proof that it was an emergency trip, for example to an emergency room, will not be charged.