• Fondots@lemmy.world
    10·
    2 days ago

    Just gonna chime in to say check with your local libraries to see what they do have available, and also check with surrounding libraries,

    My local library is a small branch of a countywide network of libraries, so I can go check things out from any library in the county.

    I was a little surprised to learn that my local branch has mobile wifi hotspots available. They’re nice for families that are struggling to pay for Internet service so their kids can do schoolwork, I’m also thinking about checking one out for road trips and such.

    A bigger branch has a pretty impressive library of things available- tools, cookware, board games, small appliances, AV equipment, etc.

    One thing I’d really like is vehicles, although I’m sure it would be an absolute liability/insurance nightmare, not to mention the upfront and ongoing costs and such, so I totally I totally understand why it’s not a thing.

    I’m lucky that I’ve always been able to borrow a car from my parents when I needed one because mine was in the shop or whatever. Not everyone is so fortunate though, and unless we step up our public transit game, a lot of people need cars to get into work and run errands and such. A small fleet of basic sedans or something that you could check out for a day or two when needed without paying out the ass for a rental would be amazing.

    And almost everyone needs to move something big or transport a few people once in a while, so a pickup truck or passenger van in the fleet might be kind of nice.

    Even if it’s not totally free, they could be rented out at-cost and not have to turn a profit like regular car rentals.

    • corsicanguppy@lemmy.caEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      One thing I’d really like is vehicles, although I’m sure it would be an absolute liability/insurance nightmare, not to mention the upfront and ongoing costs and such, so I totally I totally understand why it’s not a thing.

      Our regional (gov-esque) insurance corporation (insure your car) also operates a car-booking service called Evo. You pay like $10/mo for the opportunity to sign out a car from street parking, and off you go. Park it anywhere again where it’s legal, and even in some places where parking isn’t typically allowed. If you don’t want to drop and relinquish it, you can choose to keep it for longer, but the clock keeps running while it’s sitting under your control.

      Drive it home and drop it somewhere allowed. An army of gig people fill the tank overnight. If it’s messy or dented, you don’t take it and you report it and the last guy pays a bundle. If you take a busted car and the next guy rats on you, you’re still paying even though you didn’t do it.

      It’s a pretty tight system.

      Mainly Priuses, but they have some family-vans and the odd truck, I think. Maybe it’s a competitor. Grab a van, pick up your IKEA, drop it at home, ditch and relinquish the van.

      So easy.