Description
Partnering with carshare providers to launch or expand service in high-density areas and near transit stations offers dedicated parking and discounted membership fees, promoting shared mobility and reducing the need for private vehicle ownership.
Implementation Details
- Launch carshare hubs at multi-family housing, large employment centers, and near CV Link nodes with dedicated parking and EV charging access.
- Develop parking cash-out policies and discounted membership programs in partnership with mobility providers.
- Pilot flexible carshare models in Disadvantaged Communities and transit-poor areas to improve regional mobility and reduce household vehicle ownership.
Mitigation Potential
Carshare programs provide users with access to a vehicle without the need to own one. Carshare programs encourage users to consolidate trips and reduce unnecessary trips, reducing VMT.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-21-A. Implement Conventional Carshare Program, pg. 150-152 and CAPCOA, T-21-B. Implement Electric Carshare Program, pg. 154-158 for VMT reduction quantification.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
To support equitable access, carshare services should be located in areas with low vehicle ownership, especially near affordable housing and underserved transit zones. Discounted memberships for income-qualified users and multilingual enrollment options can help reduce barriers. Partnerships with local housing developers and nonprofits can ensure outreach and station siting meet the needs of residents lacking private vehicle access.
Funding Sources
Requires staff time to work with car share providers such as ZipCar for implementation and siting of parking locations. One funding source is the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program from the California Air Resources Board.
Examples/Case Studies
City of Riverside – Hydrogen Powered carshare program
The City of Riverside launched an innovative hydrogen-powered carshare program to promote cleaner mobility. Announced on April 29, 2025, this initiative is a collaboration between the City of Riverside, Mobility Development Operations, the University of California, Riverside’s Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), CALSTART, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
South El Monte Electric Carshare Program
The South El Monte Electric Carshare Program, part of the Low Carbon Transportation Investments (LCTI) initiative, aims to address the significant air pollution, limited mobility, and high vehicle ownership costs faced by the community. This program provides a clean, convenient, accessible, and affordable mobility solution, with a significant emphasis on engaging low-income individuals.