Survey finds 70% of drivers would consider giving up car if public transport improved
James Cox
A new study highlights a growing interest in alternatives to private car ownership with 70 per cent of respondents claiming they would consider giving up their car if public transport improved.
The research was conducted by car and van-sharing service GoCar.
Eighteen per cent admitted they would drive less often but are unfamiliar with alternative options.
The cost of running a car emerged as a significant concern among respondents. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) already claim to be driving less often due to the increase in the price of petrol and diesel in recent years and 62 per cent of drivers stated they would consider giving up their vehicle due to rising expenses.
Multiple motors
The GoCar Index findings shed light on the prevalence of multi-car households, with one in five (22 per cent) car owners owning more than one vehicle. Family commitments (52 per cent) and commuting to work (34 per cent) were cited as the main reasons for requiring multiple cars.
Over one-third (36 per cent) of drivers claim they have reduced their driving since the pandemic. This reduction may have encouraged drivers to give up the car sitting in the driveway, with one in ten (10 per cent) drivers planning to give up their primary car in the coming years. This increases to 16 per cent when considering giving up a secondary car.
Not going the distance
When it comes to Ireland’s car usage, car journeys tend to be short - both in terms of distance and time. The research reveals that the Irish public mainly use their cars for shorter journeys. Over three-quarters (77 per cent) of car journeys across Ireland are completed in less than 30 minutes and it was also found that nearly one in three motorists (28 per cent) drive less than 5km per trip.
User data from GoCar shows that the average return distance of a GoCar trip is 86km, suggesting that GoCar customers use the cars for more intentional trips.
Young and car-free
Young drivers are much more likely to consider giving up their car, with 21 per cent of respondents under 35 years old saying they were thinking of giving up their primary car in the next few years, while 28 per cent were weighing up getting rid of their secondary vehicle.
This was probably because 46 per cent of people in that age group said they could save a ‘considerable’ amount of money if they didn’t rely so much on a car.
Why can’t we give up the car?
The research found that grocery shopping (77 per cent) is the main reason drivers would not part with their car, however, over one-third (36 per cent) would be encouraged to give up the car if they could work from home more.
Other reasons cited that would encourage drivers to say goodbye to their motor are working from home (65 per cent), wanting to cycle or walk more (41 per cent) and reducing their carbon footprint (35 per cent).
Shifting attitudes toward EV adoption
The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating, but cost and infrastructure remain key challenges.
The GoCar Index reveals that 40 per cent of drivers, especially those over 45, see high upfront costs as the main barrier to purchasing an EV.
However, incentives could drive change as one in three would consider an EV if a government scrappage scheme returned, while one in four supports a tax-free shared mobility allowance, particularly among younger and urban drivers.
As EV adoption rises, stronger policies and an expanded charging network will be crucial in shaping Ireland’s transport future.
Joe Quirke, head of GoCar, said: “The research shows the desire among Irish car owners, particularly younger car owners, to reduce the number of cars per household. We welcome this enthusiasm and want to remind car owners that GoCar offers a practical alternative by giving drivers convenient vehicle access if and when needed.
"Whether you’re considering giving up a secondary car to save on costs or free up space, GoCar provides a hassle-free solution. Fuel and insurance are all included in our hourly rate, making it an ideal choice for those who need occasional access to a vehicle. GoCar is committed to providing flexible, cost-effective solutions to help individuals and families reduce their reliance on private cars.”
