• While I don't know of any such nationwide organisation in the UK, I know this exists in Germany and New Zealand. Several years ago, I travelled extensively through Germany with the organisation City Link. Both drivers and would-be fellow travellers phone in with their requests a few days before they want to travel, and City Net phone them back once they have found a driver/passenger via computer matching. Alternatively, you can go to the office directly. Women can choose to drive/go with another woman only. Before passengers start the trip they are given a print-out with the car registration number, the name and address of the driver. The passenger/driver phone each other to arrange the pick-up place. In many cases I was picked up from where I was staying and delivered to my next address, even if it meant a detour for the driver. City Net also arranges for trips abroad, ie to the Netherlands, Britain, Belgium, France etc from Germany. Most other continental countries have a similar system to City Net. I believe it doesn't exist in UK because of complications with insurance companies. It's time to adjust regulations to make the organised giving and getting of lifts possible.
Ursula Hilton-Jones
• There are such agencies all over Germany called "Mitfahrzentrale". I have used this many years ago and the agency will take a commission from the driver (if I can remember rightly) and also set out how much the driver can charge the passenger depending on the kilometres of the journey. You will find them in the telephone directories, or try www.gelbeseiten.de (German yellow pages) and look under 'Mitfahrzentralen'. Some are part of a network and others are independent. As a passenger it is advisable to register with as many as possible. The German agencies may have details about agencies in other countries.
Andrea Woelke (Mr)
• Liftshare.com is the UK's most successful lift-sharing scheme, with over 10,000 members. We help councils and business across the UK not only to implement effective car sharing schemes but also to build integrated transport communities.
Sharing a car is the untold answer to many peoples transport needs. We have developed a secure and successful way of finding people travel companions and we hope that you will support the scheme
Ali Clabburn
Managing Director
