Carbon Voyage launches booking service to lower cost and carbon of car rides

• Passengers share rides and find cars on return journeys
• Companies and customers cash in and cut carbon

LONDON, UK, February 25, 2009 – Carbon Voyage today launches a car-booking service that helps people to cut the cost and carbon footprint of using private car hire.

Customers are already using the service, which is in beta trials, to share cars with other people and take advantage of the wasted return journeys minicabs make.

“Tough economic times are opening doors for cost-saving businesses,” says James Swanston, CEO of Carbon Voyage. “The beauty of our service is that it makes car travel cheaper and cuts the environmental impact of private-hire cars.

“It’s important for us to deliver value but also do our bit to tackle climate change. That’s what green business is all about.”

There are some 66,000 taxis and private-hire vehicles in London, according to the National Office of Statistics. It is estimated that private hire vehicles are empty up to 45 per cent of the time, according to Government figures. This is called ‘dead mileage’ is regarded by car operators and environmentalist as an extremely wasteful use of a journey.

The BBC annually spends £19 million on taxi and private car rides, while the demand to cut carbon footprints and costs continues to rise.

The Carbon Voyage experience promises to give a safe, low-cost and carbon service to customers in the London area.

Anyone wishing to trial the beta service should contact: info@carbonvoyage.com