A San Francisco organization is launching a car-sharing program this fall with 10 new Volkswagen Beetles, part of the 675 shared cars the non-profit environmental group plans to put on the road to help cut traffic and parking problems, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
The CityShare program is modeled after successful programs in Europe, Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA. The shared vehicles will be available to subscribers who have a clean driving record and credit history and put up a $300 deposit. Reservations for the lime-green vehicles, which will be parked in designated spaces in city-owned parking lots, may be made over the Internet or by telephone. Most car-sharing programs bill only for the miles driven and hours used; all gas, insurance, and maintenance costs are included.