Now Free Cars For Paris
by Bonnie Alter, London on 01. 3.08
First they had the Vélib' in Paris--the scheme where you can pick up a bike, ride it, and drop it off somewhere else. Now the Mayor is proposing the introduction of Voiturelib'--2,000 electric-powered vehicles that subscribers can drive off without booking at dozens of sites, 24 hours a day, and then leave anywhere in the city. There will be a minimal charge, depending on mileage, and the theory is that people can do their errands or make short visits, without the hassle of renting a car. Almost 45% of all Parisians own cars, but a surprising 95% of them remain parked at any time. The Cleanova (pictured), with its Renault Kangoo body, is being named as the potential car for this scheme. It is not the chic-est looking car on the block for fashion-conscious Parisians.
There are some doubts about the idea. Some fear that people will start to choose cars over bicycles and the usage of the free bicycles will decline, thus defeating the purpose of the whole experiment. Others are noting the comparative expense of running free cars versus bicycles. Apparently the Vélib' system has some kinks--many are out of service due to disrepair and vandalism. There are not enough in the morning for all of the commuters flowing into Paris, and there is a lack of parking spaces for them. The Mayor is against imposing a congestion charge. This will be an interesting idea to watch. :: Times
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It's good to see that politicians in other parts of Europe are taking a more imaginative approach rather than just taxing car use.
I hope it works and spreads to other towns/countries...
This very concept was used in an episode of the TV show Sliders. Free cars, parked in any public parking space (and baring a city shield or crest on the door), could be taken for any in city errands or jobs. As long as the fee is lower than that of a taxi, then I could see it's viability.
They should do something more like what's in Philly. There's a program called Car Share (they use the Prius as their car) and I'm pretty sure it costs a certain amount of money.
With the alternative of a free biking system in Paris, the cars would look a necessary amount less attractive and cost the city a bit less. The limited amount of cars would also encourage biking.
Very cool idea. I was just over there and saw the bike exchange and people really do seem to take responsibility for them. I'd have to imagine they'd do the same with the cars, however the city is sooo accessible without cars that I don't know if it's worth the expense.
In the San Francisco Bay Area we have two different programs that are kinda similar, CityCarShare.org and ZipCar.com. I just became a member of City Car Share and there is an hourly rate of $5/hr and 40¢/mile with gas and insurance included! Membership is a minimal $10/month and they have different day packages and things available. It's not exactly government sponsored - even though it should be- but it is a non-profit organization so they don't gouge.
You can make a reservations online or by phone weeks or minutes in advance and the locations are easily accessible since the cars are scattered among corner gas stations throughout the city. Each gas station has a designated parking space - and if you live in a big city you know that's a gift from God!
Now, they aren't exclusively electric vehicles, but they do have Prius' as an option, as well as pick-ups, and mini coopers depending on your needs. In my opinion they are a little short of their green potential, but it's a great start! I think they are providing a unique freedom to support your local mass transit while having the perks of a car in those times when transit accessibility just falls short.
Actually, I live on the SF Peninsula and plan to take electric rail into the city and then pickup a car there for when I'm running about the city or visiting friends!
Check'em out!