Only a year ago, PhillyCarShare was just an idea. Today, the nonprofit group that lets people rent cars by the hour has vehicles available for pickup at 10 locations. With a new $260,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), the group will add over 50 locations in the next three years. "What the grantmakers want is a reduction in air pollution," explains Clayton Lane, a PhillyCarShare co-founder. Since members pay by the ride, there's an economic incentive to use cars only out of necessity, like for a furniture-shopping outing. Since members regularly walk, bike or take public transportation, car emissions are reduced. But Lane says the grant will also help his group meet two other goals: Serving low- and middle-income communities in Philadelphia and linking car-sharing with transit.
People love their cars, but is this a viable alternative to those who only need a car from time to time.
Posted by aetchells at August 6, 2003 10:43 PM