As someone moving to Buffalo in August from Seattle - I am VERY happy to read about this! I've been using carsharing ervices for a few years (even before I sold my car, I occasionally got a truck or a convertible) - both Zipcar and Flexcar are here and very popular -- and I was disappointed to find out that Buffalo didn't have anything comparable. Under these programs, for one low hourly rate (about $8-$9), you get to use a car when you want (they even have multiple models to pick from, but hybrids are most popular), and it includes gas and insurance. If this comes to Buffalo I will DEFINITELY take advantage of it.

yah, gas and insurance is included in the other similar programs...

I don't know how this system will work. But with Zip Car, the hourly rate includes gas, insurance, etc... You certainly won't drive as much if the car is a block or two away rather than in your driveway. So yes, it will save on gas.

The NFTA has seen a large spike in public transportation riders during the past year as fuel prices continue to soar. Between last June and this past May, the NFTA has seen its ridership increase by 2.2 million, going from 24.29 million passengers to 26.41 million - an 8.7 percent hike.

Meckler said rising gas prices along with more concerns about the environment and a number of development projects including the University at Buffalo's 2020 expansion plans may push long discussed Metro Rail expansion to the forefront.

The NFTA is expected to hire a transportation expansion consultant later this year to address the possibility of adding more bus routes and service and also considering building new Metro Rails to UB's Amherst campus, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport or the Southtowns. The report will take about one year to complete and then decide whether the authority should lobby state and federal sources for money to create the new routes. http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2008/06/16/daily35.html?surround=lfn

WHERE IS BUFFALORISING & BUFFALO NEWS ON THIS STORY?

Interesting idea. I look forward to hearing more about it. I definitely think it could work. There are only a couple times here or there that I find myself really needing a car. There are always things that come up which require one and having the ability to grab one when needed would allow a lot of people to dump their own. At least those that live in mixed use and dense neighborhoods.

I only drive about once a week. I have been waiting for carshare to come to Buffalo, and am going to volunteer right away.

My family is currently downsizing from two cars to one and I figure it saves $5,000 a year without including gas (car payment and insurance). I have several family members who use this program in other cities and I am also very interested in it. There will certainly be times when we may need two cars, and this may be the answer - especially in the winter.

This is a great idea!!!! I watched a report on the Phili car share and it looks amazing. DO IT!!!

Jolopy - and anyone else interested - car sharing isn't meant to be your basic day to day transportation. It would be silly, in my opinion, to use a car share (or any car) to go a few blocks. BUT, you could make a grocery run, go shopping at the mall, take friends to a restaurant up North, run a bunch of errands (easier than on foot or by bus in some cases), things like that - go to the nursery and get things for your yard that you could never carry onto a bus, etc. These programs are very expensive to roll out, so they have to start somewhere, and it looks like their research shows that folks in Allentown, etc, would be the most interested. I would guess, if they are successful initially, they will start to have cars available in other areas of the city (this is what Flexcar did in Seattle). I speak from experience - I've been using Flexcar and Zipcar here in Seattle for a few years (I generally walk or take the bus), and it's great to be able to take the dog to the vet or go to Home Depot and get things.

If you are curious about how these programs work in general, just Google "Zipcar" and read their website.

Hmm, I think I might be one of the people who could actually get rid of my car if this works out well.

I try to ride everywhere, but there are times/places when I just "have to drive" due to schedule/cargo/timing/weather challenges.

Wont car rental places begin competing with care share? not saying care share is bad but they will begin to rent cars by the hour. Another question I have is will care share have to pay a rental fee to the state like care rentals? its essentially extremely similar to a car rental but instead you get a membership and everyone kinda owns the cars? If this is meant to benefit the people of the city then it should be in the east side of the city. But then the owners of this wouldn't make money and the "individual background check is done before members are accepted" might not fly on the east side. so they put in on elmwood/allen where people have some money. Why pay 8 bucks an hour to rent a car when you can take a bus for $1.50? (Also you know your money is going back into your city that everyone on here is trying to help). IF your meant to use these for short trips within blocks of you why not walk? Taking a bus from allen to Buffalo state cost 75 cents. People need to think about some of these things.

Does the driver insure him/her self or is some kind of group coverage purchased for the fleet and members? This is a very cool idea.

DrZacko- I agree with what your saying, but I guess I just don't understand the benefit still. haha. I'm def not one of the obstructionist on these forums, just frugal. The one thing I can see this benefiting would be the person who would only need this for say under 4 hours. Since car rentals without your insurance decreasing the price is around 60 bucks. Are there monthly dues or yearly dues for this membership? What will they do for the cars that sit on the streets. I would think they would be prime targets for the entrepreneur out there. I hope some of my questions help either bring some questions to this project or atleast provide people with a different view point to benefit this service.

Jolopy - well, the benefit is all about convenience. For example, I can do things with my Flexcar that I could not do on foot or by bus. If you aren't willing to pay a little bit for convenience, then the program is not for you. I'd rather pay $16 to be able to run to Home Depot for two hours (and make 3 other stops) and buy things for my yard only when I need to, instead of making a car payment (plus gas and insurance) or rent a car (which you cannot do by the hour) - think about how much money you waste renting cars sometimes - they just sit in a parking lot. Here in Seattle we pay no dues, but even if we did it would be worth it. One low hourly fee covers gas, insurance and car use - it's a GREAT deal. The cars on the street are equipped with anti-theft devices. Again, read about the program -- all these questions have been answered.