Grant-Amherst is the latest community to land a vehicle from this city’s homegrown Buffalo CarShare operation. The 17th vehicle to be added to the fleet is now permanently stationed at Joe’s Service Station at the corner of Elmwood and Grant. The car is joining the infamous Automobius two-way car (see here) that has been a real head turner since it was first stationed at the corner after it was designed for the Burchfield‐Penney’s 2003 Public Art on Wheels Project. “I am thrilled to provide the next hub for CarShare’s program expansion at our highly visible location,” said Mark Kubiniec, owner of Joe’s Service Center, “We’ve been happy to have the Automobius here and rest assured, it is not leaving but just sharing the corner with CarShare. We fully support the mission and goals of CarShare. It brings an affordability and service to folks who don’t need the expenses of owning and operating a car. There are many Grant/Amherst students, bicyclists, young families starting out, and older folks downsizing who could benefit from utilizing a CarShare option”.
Gone with the eccentric old and in with the practical new, Buffalo CarShare has become an integral and endearing transportation staple in our community. “Amherst and Elmwood is the perfect place to branch out into a new neighborhood of Buffalo,” said Creighton Randall, Executive Director, Buffalo CarShare, “Joe’s Service Center (and the Automobius) have been a staple of Amherst Street for many years, so we’re thrilled that they have welcomed us to be part of this diverse and growing neighborhood.”
According to Buffalo CarShare, in 2009 Buffalo CarShare started with four cars and 30 members. They have since grown to 17 cars and 650 members, with hubs located in Allentown, Elmwood Village, at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and Buffalo State College and now in North Buffalo at Amherst and Elmwood. Buffalo CarShare provides an affordable alternative to owning a car. New members from 14207 and 14216 zip codes will receive $25 in driving credit upon signing up.