Carpooling in Singapore vs carsharing: how to save more money

Imagine it’s a Saturday afternoon. You’ve got a stack of errands to run, a friend to meet for coffee in Tiong Bahru, and a heavy bag of groceries to bring home. You’re staring at your phone, weighing your options: do you hunt for a carpool match, or do you take the wheel yourself?

While carpooling Singapore style is sometimes pitched as the budget-friendly way to travel, the reality for young drivers is often a mix of long wait times, awkward small talk, and rigid schedules. If you value your time and independence, deciding between carsharing vs carpooling won’t just about be the price tag, but the quality of your journey as well.

Carsharing vs carpooling: a 3-hour cost comparison

At first glance, both options seem to offer a way to get around without the massive commitment of car ownership. However, when you dig into the facts, the experiences are worlds apart. Let's look at a typical Saturday afternoon scenario: you have three stops to make over three hours, covering a total distance of 20km.

Our methodology: We compared prices between popular car-sharing services in Singapore and spoke with some of our friends who’ve used carpooling services in the past. Fees presented are an aggregate across Singapore’s main carpooling providers.

Scenario: Home → gym → dim sum → home

• Option 1: Ride-hailing/Carpooling (3 separate trips)
  
  • Trip 1 (Home to gym): ~$16
  • Trip 2 (gym to dim sum): ~$14
  • Trip 3 (dim sum to home): ~$22 (peak hour surge pricing)
  • Total: ~$52
  • Hidden Costs: Waiting 5 to 10 minutes for each ride and the stress of surge pricing during the Saturday dinner rush.

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• Option 2: Carsharing with GetGo (Standard Electric Vehicle)
  
  • Time charge (3 hours at $10/hr peak): $30
  • Mileage charge (20km at $0.39/km): $7.80
  • Platform fee: $1.20
  • Total: ~$39
  • The win: You save nearly $20, and the car stays with you the whole time. You can leave your gym bag in the backseat while you eat without a second thought.

The importance of flexibility

The biggest drawback of carpooling is the lack of flexibility. When you’re carpooling, you’re on someone else’s clock, and if your workout runs 15 minutes late, your carpool driver might leave without you.

With carsharing, you have true freedom on the road. If you decide to take a detour to check out places like Tiong Bahru, you don't need to ask for permission or book a new ride. You simply drive.

The safety gap: Regulation vs Telegram groups

It is tempting to join informal carpooling groups on platforms like Telegram to save a few dollars, but is carpooling safe when it’s unregulated?

• No Insurance: Most private car insurance policies do not cover "for-hire" activities. In an accident, you may not be covered for medical expenses.
• Legal Risks: Operating an illegal carpool can result in a fine of up to $3,000 for the driver. As a passenger, you risk being stranded if the vehicle is impounded.
• Unverified Drivers: Unlike GetGo, where every user is verified via Singpass, some informal carpool options have no background checks.

When you book a GetGo, you’re driving a vehicle that is regularly maintained and comes with comprehensive car insurance. You get the peace of mind that comes with a professional service, all while staying in the driver's seat.

Take control of your time

Whether you’re lugging new plants from a nursery or heading out for a midnight prata run, the benefits of carsharing are clear. It’s more affordable for multi-stop trips, offers total privacy, and keeps you in control of your own schedule.

Ready to skip the wait and take the wheel?

See you on the road,

Amanda 💙

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(Featured photo: Mothership)