Yesterday, Malta’s first green car sharing fleet was launched at the Corinthia Palace. Close to 1,000 motorists have already registered for the scheme, and the green transport option will contribute to reducing traffic on the Maltese Islands (Hallelujah!)

So, how does it work?

The electric cars can be hired from across Malta and Gozo using a handy mobile app. Users can book their car 15 minutes before they need it, and then drive it to a pre-arranged GoTo parking bay, once they reach their destination. It’s certainly a cost-effective method of travelling, with rates of 28c per minute covering all insurance, road licence tax, Valletta CVA fees, charging and parking. As the scheme kicks off, there are currently 150 electric GoTo vehicles out and about across the islands, with parking bays in 68 localities, and a planned 225 electric vehicle charging stations installed by the end of 2019.

Sounds great, sign us up!

To register, users need only fill in an online form with their personal information, driving licence and credit card details. A photocopy of the user’s driving licence will be requested and can be uploaded online. And its quick too - accounts are verified within 24 hours. Users will then receive a membership card by post. Oh, and those registering now will benefit from two months’ free membership!

This all sounds fantastic, and with more people embracing car sharing facilities, not only will the traffic situation improve, but so too will pollution. But after yesterday's launch, what did the Maltese think? Have they embraced it with open arms? We took to Facebook to find out.

Positive vibes

There have been lots of positive reactions to the scheme, with one Facebook user commending the service saying, “I have to admit, I was quite impressed with driving an electric car. Even more impressive was the fact that the parking spaces earmarked for these cars were available” - a sentiment shared by many, no doubt.

Drivers who have tried and tested the service also affirmed, "the app is easy to use, and the cars are very easy to drive.” Other users have called the newly launched initiative a “great concept” and “very innovative.”

And the concerns...

As with every new concept introduced to the islands, there's bound to be a little push-back too. Some locals have complained that not only have GoTo Malta reserved roughly 450 parking spaces in prime locations, but they have also occupied various public charging points, which results in EV owners having nowhere to charge their cars conveniently. 

Others quip that knowing Maltese drivers' knack for ignoring road rules, it'll be "impossible" to find the designated parking spaces left empty, with some expressing concern about the price of the service.

In response, Car Sharing Services Malta CEO Liran Golan comments, “some members of the public were initially worried about the loss of a few parking spaces in their locality, but we are happy that practically all the local councils have since come on board and recognised the long-term environmental benefits and the option for residents to have another transport alternative" - and we're sure that once the benefits start being felt, the naysayers will get on board too (literally!)

What do you think about GoTo Malta’s new car sharing facility? Let us know in the comments below!