Where car sharing once resembled a rent-by-the-hour system that was a more decentralized version of the traditional car rental, it has now become a ubiquitous system that includes shared use and even cars that drive themselves.
Maven, which has the three-pronged mission of creating a car-sharing service (for cities, residential communities or commercial entities) while also developing what it calls a “mobility platform” (Maven Gig) that provides short-term car rentals to individuals engaged in the new gig economy.
But the true revolution will come when we get to autonomous vehicles. Consumers will enjoy the best of both ride/car sharing.
Urban planners see smart mobility as an answer to the urgent need for saving cities and urban commuters the hassle of congested roads and traffic.
With the backing of the House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats, automakers and auto drivers, 54.5 miles per gallon (MPG) is now the law. Many are already driving cars with better than 54 MPG thanks to innovative programs from Zipcar, Enterprise, Hertz, car2go, and other car sharing providers.
It’s never been easier to get into an electric car and drive away. I hold my Drive Now card to the window of this BMW ActiveE, the car unlocks and I take the driver’s seat. I type in my 4-digit passcode, touch Start, shift into Drive and away I go. Today, BMW has added 70 of its electric cars to a unique car-sharing program in San Francisco. I drive a dozen blocks to a parking garage near a meeting at the Marriott. I park the car, log-off with a push of the button, use my membership card to lock the car and I’m done.
Now you can hear John Addison’s presentation to the American Planning Association (APA). Planners, government leaders, and engaged citizens can create vibrant and sustainable communities with intermodal transportation that includes rail, bus rapid transit, last miles solutions to make transit accessible, car and bike sharing, electric and high mileage cars, smart growth that invites walking and easy access to merchants and services.