Fall 2003 -
|
Sonya steps out of
Hybrid |
We
read a book that changed our lives
in Fall 2000 called The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental
Choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Michael Brower and Warren Leon suggest that reducing car
use is the single most effective choice an individual can
make to lessen their impact on the environment. With this
new information, and the stunning fact that for every mile
you drive you emit 1 pound of CO2 into the atmosphere, we
decided that Madison Environmental Group should get into
the transportation business.
Meanwhile, we learned from a friend in Portland Oregon,
about member-based carsharing organizations for people who
want access to a vehicle for occasional use. This new movement
started in Switzerland and made its way to the United States
via Portland in 1998. We thought, if Portand can do it,
why can't we? We applied for a grant through the Wisconsin
Department of Tranportation to study the feasibility of
starting a carsharing organization for Madison. In May 2001
(after reading Divorce Your Car by Katie Alvord) Sonya sold
her car in preparation for the study. Rebecca Grossberg
completed the study in fall 2002,
concluding that Madison has the demographics, interest and
economic feasibility to support a successful carsharing
organization. So we started another company, Community Car.
Sonya's office is nestled between the two organizations.
Community
Car launched in October 2003 with the help of two banks
and six local investors. It is a member-based business that
provides cars by the hour for Madison residents and organizations.
As of September 2004, 180 members share access to a fleet
of hybrids and high gas-mileage vehicles in reserved parking
spots in neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Community Car provides the following benefits:
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It's
economical. You can drive an affordable, reliable car.
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It's
easy. Community Car changes the oil, washes and maintains
the cars.
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It's
good for the environment and healthy for you. Every
gallon of gasoline burned while driving releases 20
pounds of CO2. You reduce pollution as you drive less
and walk and bike more.
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You
have options. The fleet includes hybrid-electric vehicles
and a pick-up truck.
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It improves urban life. Carsharing reduces traffic and
parking congestion.
If you are interested in joining, contact Amanda White at
608-204-0000, or visit www.communitycar.com.
We offer FREE trials to UW faculty, staff and students!
download the Feasibility
Study final report* »
download the Executive
Summary »
download a worksheet to
calculate the costs of owning and using your car »
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