3 months ago
Car share programs are popular across the country, in cities big and small. The city of Buffalo has now joined the group of cities with car share program of its own.
Buffalo CarShare partnered with the Wellness Institute of Buffalo to provide green cars to approved members for a low cost. Cars are put in specific spots across the city. Once approved, members take an electronic key fob, swipe it over a reader placed on the windshield, retrieve the key from a glove compartment and drive off.
Reservations can be made online or over the phone. Rates vary depending on usage but the basic plan is a monthly charge of $5.00, plus $8.00 an hour then 20 cents per mile used. We figured out that for a 2 hour trip to the closest Target from our station on Deleware Ave in Buffalo, it would cost about $18.00. The cost includes any and all gas usage.
Creighton Randall is the executive director for Buffalo CarShare and says while that may sound like an expensive trip to the store, ideal members would be able to give up their car compltely, solely relying on the Car Share program.
Right now, there are 4 cars in the fleet with locations in the Allentown area of Buffalo. Randall says 4 cars will be added to the fleet by July 1st and will be placed in the Elmwood Village area. There are sedans and hatchback cars for use. Pets and smoking are prohibited in the cars. Children and other passengers are welcome.
Buffalo CarShare has been opened a week and already, 50 members have signed up. A valid drivers license and a clean driving record are mandatory to become a member, along with a one time $20.00 fee. Applications can be found at the Buffalo CarShare website which is www.buffalocarshare.org. You'll also find links to the price breakdown and location chart.
You can also find Buffalo CarShare on Twitter and Facebook.
Click on the video link above to see Marissa Bailey's report.
