The public launch of the car2go program is less than 24 hours away. The small white and blue Smart cars are already rolling through Austin.
Car2go says it will wrap up its pilot program in Austin on Thursday and open service for everyone on Friday.
"I believe it is an essential element or essential compliment to mass transit. As you know, sometimes it is very difficult. People come in from areas far outside the city," said Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell.
The cars first rolled into town in November 2009 when the test phase began.
Over the next six months about 3,000 people registered to participate in the program including 1,200 city employees. It grew quickly.
During the pilot phase the cars were rented out more 20,500 times.
"It's no secret Austin is one of those cities that continues to grow. You see more and more condos going up downtown, so they're concerned about growth, congestion and of course the environmental sustainability with emissions," said Nicholas Cole, president & CEO of car2go North America.
The cars have designated parking spots scattered across town -- 80 in all. If a car is there, members can pick it up and rent for however long they need. All they have to do afterward is park it back in a designated spot.
Austin is the first city in North America to host this program. The company actually began in Germany. Then started looking at where it could expand. With the success in Austin the company is looking at further expansions.
"This has been truly a learning pilot with the city of Austin which is great. I think you'll see a full roll out going into new cities," said Cole.
The cars are rented on a minute basis – 35 cents for every minute. The cost covers fuel, insurance, parking, maintenance and mileage. There are special rates for hourly and daily rentals.
The program is being recognized for its positive environmental impact.
Thursday morning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded both car2go and the City of Austin with its 2010 Clean Air Excellence Award for Transportation Efficiency Innovations.
Friday’s public launch kicks off with a free event and test drives at Republic Square Park in downtown Austin from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
