Downtown residents, visitors and commuters will have more options with a new carshare program beginning in Orlando this fall. The program is at no cost to the taxpayers.
Under the no cost contract, Hertz 24/7 is providing carshare services at six locations in the City of Orlando. The contract is through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Commuters will be provided access to vehicles rented by the hour, allowing drivers to run errands or attend meetings. The vehicles are also available to Downtown Orlando residents who have chosen a “car-lite” lifestyle but still need occasional access to a car. Rates will start at $8 an hour depending on the type of vehicle rented and will include gas, maintenance, parking, and insurance.
Starting this fall, the locations are:
· CNL parking garage near Orlando City Hall (2 vehicles)
· Surface parking lot under I-4 at N. Hughey Ave. and W. Central Blvd. (2 vehicles)
· Creative Village (2 vehicles)
· Thornton Park (2 vehicles)
· Landmark Center (2 vehicles)
· Florida Hospital Orlando Campus (2 vehicles)
Carshare programs have been operational for many years in other major cities across the United States, including Boston, New York City, and Miami.
If the carshare program takes off, FDOT will consider expanding it beyond the City of Orlando.
