Close to 4,500 drivers have registered to use GoTo's fleet of electric cars in just four months, the company claimed on Tuesday. 

GoTo is Malta’s first national car sharing service.

An average 410 trips a day are being recorded, with Friday and Saturday being the two most popular days of the week, according to Car Sharing Services Malta CEO Liran Golan.

“Just last weekend we hit a record 500 trips, and if this growth pattern is maintained over the next two months, we will consider expanding our fleet by another 50 vehicles to reach 200,” Mr Golan said.

This €8 million initiative, run by Car Sharing Services Malta is a subsidiary of Car2Go Israel and established in collaboration with Transport Malta.

According to the company’s latest figures, more than 65% of those registered are using this service more than five times a month and 15% make 20 trips a month. Those aged 25 to 31 are the ones who use this service the most (33%).

The heaviest usage of GoTo cars has been experienced mostly in Valletta, Sliema, Ta’ Xbiex, Msida, the airport and Ċirkewwa, while the average length of time spent driving a GoTo car is 23 minutes.

“The feedback and take-up of the service has been extremely encouraging and it clearly shows that those living in Malta are looking for alternatives to owning a car,” Mr Golan said.

By May, the company is planning to roll out the second phase of its project which will be created for longer return journeys. The user will be able to book cars up to three months in advance, as well as pick up and return the car to the same spot.

“The plan is to launch this service in 30 new locations following a collaboration with private car parks. We are buoyed by the public’s response and hope that the use of electric cars and car sharing continues to pick up,” Mr Golan said.