The newest car-sharing service for the Capital City - car2go - starts tomorrow.  Below is an October 4th article from Columbus Underground reporting that registration for the car2go car-sharing system officially opened October 3 in advance of their October 26 launch date.  On October 26, Columbus will receive 250 car2go smart car vehicles, which are available for shared use by membership holders.

 

Columbus Underground: car2go Launches in Columbus on October 26

 

 

According to the car2go wikipedia page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car2Go: "Car2go is a subsidiary of Daimler AG that provides carsharing services in European and North American cities.  The company offers exclusively Smart Fortwo "car2go edition" vehicles and features one-way point-to-point rentals, which are charged by the minute (with hourly and daily rates available).  The service forgoes the typical centralized rental office, and cars are user-accessed wherever parked via a downloadable smartphone app."

 

The car2go rental system in Columbus allows members to pick-up and drop-off a car within a 30-square mile service area that car2go calls the "home area".  You can drive outside this "home area" - but must return the car inside the "home area" before your rental session is ended.  The car2go website goes into much more detail about that.  Below is a map of the "home area" that car2go will offer for Columbus from http://columbus.car2go.com/

 

An update from Columbus Underground:

 

Car2Go Goes Live this Weekend

By: Brent Warren, Columbus Underground

Published on October 24, 2013 - 8:00 am

 

Car2go’s fleet of Smart Cars will be available in Columbus starting on Saturday — which means that anyone who has signed up for a membership will be able to hop in one of the blue and white two-seaters and go.  The cars will be parked on-street throughout a 30-square mile service area, which includes Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods as well as a large chunk of Clintonville and Linden.  Pricing is by the minute, and reservations are not required — a mobile app will tell you where the nearest car is, and a membership card will get you in.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-goes-live-this-weekend-bw1

 

Another car service beside Car2Go began in Columbus in October - Uber.  If Car2Go is the small car segment of car-sharing services, then Uber is in the luxury segment.  Although, it's really more of an upscale on-demand taxi ride.  Columbus Underground has more about it below:

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/uber-car-service-launches-in-columbus

Columbus Underground also had an interesting comparison of four different transportation-sharing services currently available in Columbus.  Two car-based - the aforementioned Car2Go and Uber; one bike-sharing service - CoGo; and the good ole bus - COTA.  Below is the link to the CU comparison: 

 

Columbus Underground: CoGo vs car2go vs Uber vs COTA

 

 

This seemed like the most appropriate thread to post this since Car2Go and Uber are already mentioned here.  However, there is a separate thread in the Transportation section for COTA at http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,5621.msg677963.html#msg677963 and there are posts about CoGo Bike Sharing System in the Columbus: Bicycling developments and news section at http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17537.msg664892.html#msg664892

Returning to car-sharing services only - the newest service, car2go, is expanding onto the OSU campus.  More below:

 

car2go Expands to OSU Campus

By: Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

Published on November 21, 2013 - 10:30 am

 

Less than a month into the launch of car2go Columbus, and the new car-sharing service is already expanding.  The company announced today that it is partnering with the Ohio State University to provide 45 designated spaces across 10 different parking locations on the college’s main campus.

 

car2go currently operates in a 30 square mile “Home Area” in Columbus which now includes the OSU campus, allowing students, faculty and visitors to the college to utilize the white-and-blue branded smart cars for easy urban commutes.

 

“Since car2go’s launch in Columbus, the interest and support from the community has been tremendous,” said Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go North America. “Through our partnership with CampusParc, we are very excited to now offer this service to faculty, staff, students and visitors of The Ohio State University.”

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-expands-to-osu-campus

Car2Go Adds Parking Spots at Easton Town Center

By: Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

Published on February 13, 2014 - 2:37 pm

 

Easton Town Center falls outside the “Home Area” for car2go service, but the car-sharing system is announcing today the addition of 20 dedicated satellite parking spots located on the north and south sides of the property. ... The spaces allow car2go drivers to begin and end their trips outside of the 35 square mile Home Area, which means that shopping, dining and entertainment can occur without continually paying while the car2go vehicle is parked.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-adds-parking-spots-at-easton-town-center

Lyft Launching in Columbus

By: Brent Warren, Columbus Underground

Published on February 20, 2014 - 11:30 am

 

Lyft, the San Francisco-based ridesharing app that calls itself “your friend with a car,” is set to launch in Columbus on Friday.  Starting at 8pm, users in Columbus who have downloaded the app will be able to request a ride from the small network of drivers that have already been vetted and approved by the company.  Lyft drivers use their own cars – with a pink mustache placed on the grill – to pick up passengers.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/lyft-launching-in-columbus-bw1

The ride-sharing service - Lyft - made its debut in late February: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2014/02/24/ride-sharing-service-lyft-makes.html

 

As did UberX, which introduced a low-cost version of its Uber vehicle-for-hire service introduced last year in Columbus: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2014/02/25/uberx-no-frills-car-service-introduced.html

 

However, there is a small technicality that both UberX and Lyft currently are illegal under existing city taxi codes: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2014/03/proposed-code-changes-would-pave-way-for-uberx-and.html

 

While Lyft and UberX are having their legal issues, car2go keeps growing its Central Ohio presence:

 

car2go Expands Service to Port Columbus

By Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

April 30, 2014 - 1:30 pm

 

Ever since car2go launched in Columbus in October, they’ve continued to expand their service footprint.  First to OSU, then to Easton, and tomorrow (May 1) service will expand to include Port Columbus.  The expansion is significant as it makes Columbus only the second city to offer car2go access from an airport location.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-expands-service-to-port-columbus

car2go Expanding Columbus Fleet to 300 Vehicles, Adds Regional Access

By Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

April 30, 2014 - 1:30 pm 

 

It’s been six months since car2go first launched in Columbus, and the innovative car-sharing service is continuing to expand locally.  In addition to bringing service to Port Columbus, car2go announced that it is also beefing up its fleet, adding another 50 vehicles to the network, increasing the total to 300.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-expanding-columbus-fleet-to-300-vehicles-adds-regional-access

Car2Go officially expanded today to Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, 5xNW, Clinton Township (Lennox) and the rest of Franklinton. They will be adding in 50 more cars to the system (for a total of 300) in order to help serve the additional area. Since launching last year they've added OSU, Easton, Port Columbus and now this latest expansion.  :clap:

 

The system is super convenient and gets a lot of use around town. Definitely an asset I think Columbus can be proud of.

 

Now car2go might expand into Bexley:

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2014/08/car2go-eyeing-car-service-expansion-to-bexley.html

Columbus setting regulations for car-share services and Car2go

By Evan Weese, Staff Reporter

Columbus Business First - Sept. 10, 2014, 2:34pm EDT

 

Car-sharing is soon to have a permanent home in Columbus.  A one-year pilot program with Car2go will expire next month, and the city is setting regulations for the company’s blue-and-white Smart cars along with any other car-sharing services wanting to come here.

 

City Council will hold a public hearing Sept. 17 on proposed legislation, and there’s no reason to believe those regulations would limit operations, council spokesman John Ivanic said.

 

MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2014/09/10/columbus-setting-regulations-for-car-share.html

Another expansion of car2go's service area:

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-expands-service-to-bexley-eastmoor-and-berwick-neighborhoods

Car2Go’s 2nd year brings on new rules

By Rick Rouan, The Columbus Dispatch

Sunday, November 9, 2014 - 11:52 AM

 

Car2Go has grown its central Ohio network to 16,000 members, added more vehicles and expanded into five new areas since its fleet of Smart cars landed in Columbus last year.  A yearlong pilot program ended last month, with new regulations taking effect on Oct. 31 that cap the number of cars to be parked in Columbus and require the company to buy permits.

 

Hiccups along the way included nearly 500 tickets slapped on Car2Go windshields for parking violations, with 37 of the cars being towed in the first 11 months of the program, according to the latest data available.  But city and Car2Go officials have said such problems are expected as users learn the rules.  “Right now, we’re at a nice balance where it’s truly an amenity to folks living and working in Columbus and not a nuisance,” said Leslie Strader, a policy adviser in Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s office.

 

MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/11/09/car2gos-2nd-year-brings-on-new-rules.html

Lyft Exiting Columbus Market

By Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

January 5, 2015 - 10:57 pm

 

Ridesharing app Lyft announced to its drivers this evening that it will be “pausing” Columbus operations in two weeks, citing “mounting legal pressure from local regulators” that make it difficult for their peer-to-peer platform to operate.  The San Francisco based company launched Columbus service in February of last year, ahead of City Council’s plans to review and update city code that would modernize regulations all types of livery and taxi services.

 

An email sent out to local Lyft drivers today stated that local services will be suspended at noon on Monday, January 19th.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/lyft-exiting-columbus-market

As Business First said in today's morning roundup: Lyft, we hardly knew ya

 

"Lyft is leaving town.  Uber's bitter rival is "pausing operations in Columbus," it said in a letter blaming local regulations for the move, NBC4 reports at http://www.nbc4i.com/story/27767442/ride-sharing-service-plans-exit-from-columbus-market "

 

---

Also, according to today's report in the Dispatch at http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/01/06/Lyft-pauses-operations-in-Columbus.html:

 

"Lyft has halted operations in a handful of other cities that have passed regulations on app-based car services.  According to media reports, those cities include Houston, Rochester, N.Y., and Tacoma, Wash. ... Uber does not plan to leave Columbus, its operations base in the state, said James Ondrey, the company’s general manager in Ohio."

This type of thing really bothers me. Classic example of government stifling innovation by siding with inferior, but well-established, well-connected old guard. The taxi companies have probably given their fair share of "campaign contributions" over the years.

 

I don't even care about the service - I prefer to walk or ride COTA - and I don't drink so if I need to I can drive myself 99% of the time - but I will be writing each member of council, on general principle.

This type of thing really bothers me. Classic example of government stifling innovation by siding with inferior, but well-established, well-connected old guard. The taxi companies have probably given their fair share of "campaign contributions over the years.

 

I don't even care about the service - I prefer to walk or ride COTA - and I don't drink so if I need to I can drive myself 99% of the time - but I will be writing each member of council, on general principle.

 

This might be correct, if Uber exits too.  If Uber doesn't exit, then Lyft is just another in a long line of companies blaming "the government" for their failures.

In case anyone would like to join me:

 

Dear Councilman Hardin,

 

I learned this morning that the Lyft ride sharing service will exit the Columbus market in a few weeks, due to "mounting pressure from local regulators."

 

Lyft and similar services represent a substantial innovation in transportation. Passengers have the ability to request rides on their smartphones, the ability to track their driver real-time on a maps app as he/she drives to the pick-up location, and the ability to pay, and tip, the driver on the phone. This allows for both customers and drivers to feel safer during the ride, as no cash need be exchanged or carried by either party.

 

All of these factors make Lyft's experience leaps and bounds ahead of anything offered by traditional taxi companies. In addition, passengers are treated to a friendly experience as Lyft drivers often provide snacks or water to riders. Finally, Lyft has been a source of income to many Columbusites during these tough economic times. I have personally taken Lyft rides from drivers from all walks of life, from Somalian immigrant to Ohio State student.

 

Our free enterprise system sometimes requires that young, innovating business force old, stagnant ones to change or die. Often, the old, stagnant businesses will attempt to use scare tactics and lobbying muscle to convince governments and citizens to drive the innovator out of town. Please do not let that happen here.

 

Lyft represents the future of transportation, and taxis represent the past. As we in Columbus take justifiable pride in being a forward-thinking city, I would urge you and your colleagues to take action immediately and get Lyft back into our city. While reasonable regulations are appropriate, please ensure that the regulations do not nullify the advantages that Lyft has over local taxi companies. Please allow them to continue operating, substantially as they have been.

 

Please confirm your receipt of this message and thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Sincerely,

mu2010

 

This might be correct, if Uber exits too.  If Uber doesn't exit, then Lyft is just another in a long line of companies blaming "the government" for their failures.

 

That's an interesting point I hadn't considered, and you may be right. Lyft seemed to be pretty popular though. Obviously that means nothing without knowing the #s, so who knows.

After two years of car2go expanding their service area (i.e. the home area where car2go trips may either begin or end) car2go is now shrinking that area:  http://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-announces-new-smaller-service-area-bw1

 

Here is the new service area - which begins on August 26:

 

The reason that car2go is modifying their service area is based on their ridership numbers.  According to the company, 91% of car2go trips were taken within this new service area and only 9% of trips were taken in the soon-to-be former service area outside of it:

Ya win some, ya lose some. Good for them for taking a risk in expanding to those areas, and also good for them for making a tough decision when it wasn't working.

Couple more articles about car2go's new smaller service area:

 

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/08/10/Car2Go_shrinks_area.html

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2015/08/11/car2go-shrinking-service-area-bexley-and.html

 

The company is saying that the main reason for this condensed new service area was the availability of car2go vehicles within the busier 91% area (see the graphic shown previously).  Basically, too many cars were ending up in the 9% area and not enough were left in the 91% area to meet demand.  So users within this busiest area had complaints of not enough cars being available or close at hand to use.

 

Apparently this has also been an issue in Austin and Portland, where car2go similarly shrunk their service areas.  This was mentioned in the above two articles and in the CU car2go thread at http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/car2go-coming-to-columbus/page/13

Bummer. I wish they had left North Clintonville, say Broadway to Morse in between High and Indianola.

Uber doubling up in Ohio with push for 10,000 more drivers

By Carrie Ghose, Staff Reporter - Columbus Business First

Updated: Sept. 23, 2015, 4:14pm EDT

 

Uber Technologies Inc. is launching job fairs in several Ohio cities to recruit 10,000 more drivers, doubling the ride-sharing service's presence in the state by the end of 2016.  About 3,000 of those will be in Central Ohio, where it launched in February 2014 and currently has about 2,000 drivers, many of whom work part-time.

 

That also will mean more office jobs in Columbus, the Ohio operations base for the San Francisco company valued at $51 billion.  Some 30 marketers and managers who work with drivers moved this month from a Short North office into the Berry Boltworks building in the old Jeffrey Mining section of Italian Village.

 

“Columbus is our hub for the whole state,” said James Ondrey, Uber's Ohio general manager, in an exclusive interview with Columbus Business First.  “Our team will grow with the market.”

 

MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2015/09/23/uber-doubling-up-in-ohio-with-push-for-10-000-more.html

Lyft may be Planning Return to Columbus Market

By Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

February 25, 2016 - 11:04 am

 

For a short time, Columbus was home to two ride sharing services.  Uber launched in late 2013 while competitor Lyft got started in early 2014.  Lyft’s run was short lived, as the service went on an indefinite hiatus in January 2015, citing “mounting legal pressure from local regulators” that made it difficult for their peer-to-peer platform to operate.

 

That hiatus may soon be over, as signs are pointing toward a return.  Columbus Underground reader Patrick Riley forwarded a message to CU last night that came as a response to his application to become a driver, which states that “Lyft is gearing up to head back to Columbus.”

 

Lyft spokesperson Mary Caroline Pruitt did not officially confirm the return of service, but hinted that it was likely.

 

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/lyft-may-be-planning-return-to-columbus-market

Lyft is relaunching their service in Columbus today at noon:

• Lyft returns to Columbus market, signs exclusive deal with Port Columbus:  http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/03/24/lyft-returns-to-columbus-market-signs-exclusive.html

• Lyft relaunching in Columbus:  http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2016/03/24/1-lyft-relaunching-in-columbus.html

• Lyft Resumes Service in Columbus:  http://www.columbusunderground.com/lyft-columbus

 

Startup to offer free ride-sharing in Short North area

By Dan Gearino, The Columbus Dispatch

Posted: February 24, 2017 - 5:39 AM

 

Hopper Carts plans to begin offering on-demand service in April, using a fleet of six all-electric vehicles.  The company's business model relies on sponsors whose ads will be on the vehicles, and it's triggered by a mobile application.  There will be no charge for the riders, although tips are encouraged.  "It's essentially the pedicab business on a much larger scale," said co-founder Chris Potts.

 

The fleet is a half-dozen of the Polaris Gem E6, a fully enclosed, six-seat electric vehicle that looks like a car but operates much like a golf cart.  The company would provide a free alternative to taxi cabs and ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft.

 

Unlike those other services, however, Hopper Carts will only serve a territory with a radius of a few miles.  All trips will begin and end Downtown or in the Short North. ... "We're looking for someone who drove in from Dublin, parks in the parking garage and is going to Forno," Potts said, referring to a Short North restaurant.  (website: www.hoppercarts.com)

 

MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170224/startup-to-offer-free-ride-sharing-in-short-north-area

All car2go Vehicles Being Replaced With Upgraded Models in Columbus

 

Starting today, you may notice some new car2go vehicles on the streets of Columbus. And by March 31st, you’ll definitely notice, as the entire fleet will have been replaced with upgraded cars that feature the latest technology that the carsharing service has to offer.

 

More below:

http://www.columbusunderground.com/all-car2go-vehicles-being-replaced-with-upgraded-models-in-columbus

 

Car2go returns park-and-go service to Clintonville, Near East Side

 

Car2go is returning park-and-go service to the Near East Side and the Beechwold area of Clintonville in its first expansion since the car-sharing service contracted in Columbus two years ago.

 

Starting Wednesday the home area, where members may start and end rental periods, extends north to a stretch of Morse Road and east as far as Nelson Road.

 

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/06/13/car2go-returns-park-and-go-service-to.html

 

Downtown golf-cart ride service humming along under new city rule allowing micro-transit

 

 

FreeRide LLP, which uses open-air golf carts seating up to six, was born of a conversation between friends who decided to just go for it and open a business together.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/07/19/downtown-golf-cart-ride-service-humming-along.html

Columbus poised to allow 'micro-transit' golf carts citywide after pilot in downtown, Short North

 

 

Golf carts and electric "micro-transit" vehicles could soon putter around citywide, offering free rides after what licensing officials deemed a successful trial run in downtown and the Short North.

 

The first low-speed ride services – where drivers work strictly for tips – debuted in May in Columbus after a change in state law left it up to cities whether to allow the smaller vehicles on public streets.

 

Public safety officials collaborated on guidelines with two competitors: Hopper Carts, which uses electric vehicles, and FreeRide LLP, which uses open-air golf carts.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/12/11/columbus-poised-to-allow-micro-transit-golf-carts.html

Uber and Lyft provided the Dispatch with lists of their top 2017 destinations for the Columbus-area.  This article was titled "Business or Pleasure?" in the print version.  According to the top 10 lists from the below linked article, it was mostly pleasure destinations for Uber and part business/part pleasure destinations for Lyft:

 

http://www.dispatch.com/business/20171227/top-columbus-uber-spot-is-fun-destination-while-lyfts-is-airport

 

Uber’s top 10

1. Short North Pint House, 780 N. High St.

2. Pins Mechanical Company, 141 N. 4th St.

3. Brothers Bar and Grill, 477 Park St.

4. Union Cafe, 782 N. High St.

5. Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square, 75 E. State St.

6. Mapfre Stadium, One Black and Gold Blvd.

7. Express Live!, 405 Neil Ave.

8. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

9. Forno Kitchen & Bar, 721 N. High St.,

10. Grandview Cafe, 1455 W. 3rd. Ave.

 

Lyft’s top 10

1. John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 4600 International Gateway

2. Union Café, 782 N. High St.

3. Standard Hall, 1100 N. High St.

4. Kroger, 1350 N. High St.

5. Pins Mechanical Company, 141 N. 4th St.

6. Short North Pint House, 780 N. High St.

7. Brothers Bar & Grill, 477 Park St.

8. Walmart Supercenter, 3657 E. Main St., Whitehall

9. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

10. Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Center

New Transit Startup Coming to Columbus

 

Chariot, a commuter shuttle service that offers rides in 14-passenger vans, is starting operations in Columbus on Monday. Launched in San Francisco in 2014 and acquired by Ford in 2016, the startup currently operates in New York, Seattle, Austin and San Antonio.

 

The initial service in Columbus will include six private routes offering rush hour rides to and from the JPMorgan Chase corporate headquarters, at 1111 Polaris Parkway. Chariot routes in other cities include a mix of private routes serving specific employers and crowdsourced ones, submitted by individuals, that are open to the public.

 

More below:

http://www.columbusunderground.com/new-transit-startup-coming-to-columbus-bw1

 

Pretty cool! Anything that gets more single occupancy cars off the road is a good move IMO. This could be a great option to serve the more suburban apartment communities popping up around 270 and specific larger employers like Chase around Polaris, Rickenbacker, New Albany, etc that COTA is not efficient for

 

If anyone is curious on the initial six routes Chariot is launching with on Monday, they are mapped here - https://www.chariot.com/routes

http://links.news.car2go.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MzQwMzQ0MgS2&r=MjYwNTE5NzY2ODES1&j=MTAzMTA5Nzg3NwS2&mt=1&rt=0

 

Car2go is leaving Columbus.

http://links.news.car2go.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MzQwMzQ0MgS2&r=MjYwNTE5NzY2ODES1&j=MTAzMTA5Nzg3NwS2&mt=1&rt=0

 

Car2go is leaving Columbus.

 

The way some of these "innovative" companies come-and-go is head spinning!

 

More about this news from CU and Business First.  Apparently they are also leaving Toronto:

 

https://www.columbusunderground.com/car2go-carsharing-services-to-leave-columbus-tm1

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/05/24/car2gone-park-and-go-service-shuts-down-in.html

That's because "innovation" isn't profit. Evolution is.

Very disappointing... Zipcar recently announced they were finally returning to Columbus in a larger scale, which is some consolation, but the one-way 'floating' car2go model is by far much more convenient

Zipcar Bringing Car-Sharing Service to Columbus

 

 

It’s been less than a month since car2go abruptly pulled their car-sharing services out of the Columbus market, but that void will soon be filled by one of their competitors. Zipcar has announced an official unveiling event next Tuesday, where they will cut a ribbon on the launch of service in the city.

 

Similar to car2go, Zipcar is a membership-based service that allows users access to short term car rentals through keycards and mobile apps. Unlike car2go, Zipcar’s pricing charges by the hour or day and not by the minute, the membership has a monthly or annual fee associated with it, and the company offers a variety of vehicles to rent — from Honda Civics to Jeeps. Zipcar already has limited locations in Central Ohio near the Ohio State University campus and at the John Glenn International Airport.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/zipcar-bringing-car-sharing-service-to-columbus-we1

Zipcar Officially Launches Car-Sharing Service in Columbus

 

Officials with the City of Columbus and private car-sharing company Zipcar gathered this morning at Columbus Commons to celebrate the launch of the service in Columbus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The program debuts with eight vehicles stationed at specific on-street pickup/drop-off points in the Short North, German Village, Weinland Park and Downtown neighborhoods.

 

“The City of Columbus is committed to exploring mobility options to move residents and visitors,” stated Mayor Andrew Ginther at today’s event. “Zipcar gives people the flexibility of using a car when they want. We are pleased to have the world’s leading car-sharing network serve as part of our future.”

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/zipcar-officially-launches-car-sharing-service-in-columbus-we1

 

8 cars?! Ugh this sucks. Honestly the city should have just paid car2go whatever subsidy they were asking for. That service was infinitely more useful and actually contributed something meaningful to their whole "Smart City" schtick

Car-sharing service taps Honda for Columbus expansion

 

A car-sharing service is expanding in Columbus with the help of Honda.

 

Boston-based Zipcar is more than doubling its local presence by teaming up with the Marysville-based automaker to bring its local fleet to 30 vehicles with the addition of new Accords, Civics and CR-Vs to the options.

 

Sabrina Sussman, public partnerships manager with Zipcar, said the goal is to further enable the “car-free, car-light” lifestyle.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/01/28/car-sharing-service-taps-honda-for-columbus.html

 

Zipcar Expanding Network in Columbus

 

Zipcar is expanding its car-share fleet in Columbus and increasing the number of locations where the rental cars can be picked up and dropped off.

 

The announcement came earlier this week in a press conference at the Smart Columbus Experience Center. Participating in the event were officials from the City of Columbus, the Columbus Partnership and Honda, which is supplying the new cars as part of a “strategic partnership” with Zipcar.

 

The number of full-time fleet cars in Columbus is now 30, more than twice the amount available when the service officially launched in the city last June.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/zipcar-expanding-network-in-columbus-bw1

 

 

 

So, uh, maybe it was a good thing car2go left?

Somewhat relevant. Car2Go is pulling out of Denver and Austin and Chicago before the end of the year. If these cities don't have enough business to support the model, I doubt there are any Hope's for a return ?

Car2go will shut down in North America by February 29th, 2020

 

Car sharing in the US is about to take another hit. Share Now is shutting down its Car2go service in North America by February 29th, 2020, with "fewer vehicles available" as that date approaches. The company was blunt about the reasoning in a statement: it didn't feel it was in a position to make the "level of investment necessary" to succeed in North America. High costs and the "volatile state" of mobility services worldwide were key problems, Share Now said.

New Car-Sharing Company Coming to Columbus

 

A new car-sharing company is making plans to launch in Columbus as soon as this month, potentially filling a gap in the market left by car2go when that company pulled its blue and white two-seaters off the roads in 2018.

 

Free2Move, which is currently operating in four US cities, offers a one-way, “free-floating” service, in which people use an app to locate and unlock cars, and then rent them by the minute. The cost of parking, insurance and gas is included in the price.

 

In Denver, the rental rate for Free2Move cars is currently 49 cents per minute, or $89 per day. The company also has a presence in Washington DC, Portland, Austin, Paris and Madrid.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/new-car-sharing-company-coming-to-columbus-bw1/