The City is literally being over-run with vehicles. Much land now given over to the automobile should be used for housing people, open space and recreation, and badly-needed public amenities. City CarShare hopes to open for business by the end of 1999. The project is inspired by dozens of car-sharing projects already successfully controlling the impact of the automobile and helping people get around in Europe and Canada. Switzerland's Mobility Car Share has close to 40,000 members, and offers a free rail and bus pass with every membership.
Members can take cars on an hourly or a daily basis, to fit the exact length of their trip.
Cars are kept in small neighborhood lots, within easy walking distance. When members want to use one, they call the 800 number and reserve it. Members save money on insurance, maintenance, repairs, registration, and monthly payments. At the end of the month, they receive a bill in the mail, like any other utility. The logic of car sharing is this individual car ownership encourages use.