University Circle launches car-sharing program
Friday, September 15, 2006

John C. Kuehner
Plain Dealer Reporter

Workers, students and residents in University Circle might no longer need to own their own car.

University Circle Inc. and CityWheels announced an innovative car-sharing program Thursday that they hope will help ease congestion and parking problems in Cleveland's fastest growing area.

The program offers new, fuel-efficient cars for rent to use for short trips.

"This is a better alternative to those who don't need a car every day to get to work," said Ryan McKenzie, CityWheels president.

University Circle Inc. saw this as a great opportunity and perfect fit, said Chris Ronayne, who heads the development, service and advocacy group.

"It's good for the wallet, good for the environment and good for University Circle in general," Ronayne said.

University Circle, the region's center for education, arts and health care, has 16,000 students and 45,000 workers. Another 10,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the next decade.

More jobs means more cars, Ronayne said. Offering the car-sharing program will give people who live and work in University Circle an affordable, convenient and eco-friendly alternative.

It also fits University Circle's bigger goal, which is to create a premier urban district where people can live and work and walk everywhere without needing to own a car.

The program works this way: People pay an annual fee, then pay an hourly fee whenever they use the car.

Cars are parked at the corner of Ford Drive and Euclid Avenue. They can be reserved days or minutes ahead of time by telephone or over the Internet.

CityWheels handles insurance, maintenance, parking and gas. It started a similar program in Oberlin early this year.

Members must be 21. But McKenzie is working to lower the minimum age to 18.

Right now the fleet consists of two cars, a 2006 Prius and 2006 Scion xB.

University Circle Inc. guaranteed CityWheels will make $1,500 a month per car for six months, gave spaces in a lot and will promote it.

For more information, go www.mycitywheels.com or www.universitycircle.org.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
jkuehner@plaind.com
216-999-5325

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