In a move that has taken many by surprise, a well-known ride-sharing company has announced the impending shutdown of its car-sharing service in Australia.

This move marks a significant shift in the company's operations, reflecting broader changes in the local transportation landscape.

As the service winds down, many are left considering the implications for urban mobility and alternative transport options available to Australians.


Uber has revealed it will shut down its car-share service in Australia due to a range of ‘operational challenges’ and increasing expenses.

Uber Carshare enables users to rent a car, van, or ute directly through the Uber app by hour, day, week, or month.

Rentals started at $40 per day, and the service was initially promoted as the ‘Airbnb for cars’ when it launched in 2022.

Uber Carshare will officially stop operating on September 12, following the service's discontinuation in North America the day before.


In a statement, Uber attributed the closure to rising car ownership costs and various external factors impacting its business model.

‘Due to increasing costs and operational challenges associated with insurance, thefts, and vehicle repairs, we're making changes to our business model,’ the company stated.

‘We are shifting our focus from peer-to-peer carsharing to partnering with scaled car rental companies through products like Uber Rent.’


The decision to end operations came two years after Uber acquired the Australian start-up Car Next Door for $105 million and adopted its business model.

Uber Rent, which provides access to rental brands such as Thrifty, Budget, and Hertz, will remain operational in Australia and New Zealand.

Rival car-sharing services like Turo and Drive Mate are anticipated to attract many former Uber Carshare users seeking alternative options.


Uber Carshare facilitated peer-to-peer car rentals, letting Australians rent their private vehicles to other registered users on an hourly or daily basis.

To address trust concerns and encourage car sharing, Uber Carshare implemented several measures:

• An online platform for vehicle owners and borrowers to register, vet, and approve each other.
• A feedback system for rating and reporting vehicle condition and member behaviour.
• In-car technology for keyless access and an automated web-based booking system.
• GPS tracking in cars to monitor location and reduce theft and misuse.
• Insurance coverage for both owners and borrowers.
• Management of payments between owners and borrowers.

As Uber phases out its car-share service in Australia, the company is not stepping back from innovation.

Just a few months ago, Uber introduced a groundbreaking feature that encouraged Australians to make greener choices.

This new development highlights Uber's ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience and adapting to changing needs in the transportation sector.
What are your thoughts on Uber’s decision? Have you tried the Uber Carshare? What is your assessment of the service? We invite you to share your experiences and insights in the comments below.