Keys, please: Capital Carshare raises money for new car-sharing program

Want to borrow a car? You can, with Capital CarShare, a new program that gives members access to cars any time. To get started, the new program is looking raise $20,000 through a new crowdfunding campaign.  

Capital CarShare (CCS), a budding social enterprise offering affordable and sustainable shared transportation, has announced the launch of its online crowd-funding campaign ‘Get There,' through Indiegogo. All funds raised will aid in the purchase of eco-friendly vehicles, marketing and advertising, and hiring staff.

“CarShare helps people get to doctors appointments, job interviews, and makes it easier to run errands like a big trip to the grocery store,” says Creighton Randall, manager, Capital CarShare. 

Capital CarShare gives members the keys to neighborhood vehicles for use by the hour or by the day. The process is simple: sign-up for a monthly membership, reserve a car for up to 72 hours, and ‘get there’. Gas, tax, and insurance are covered by one low rate and cars will be parked in lots around the city for easy pick-up and drop-off.

“The addition of Capital CarShare to the City of Albany will greatly expand transportation options for residents without significantly expanding the number of cars on the road,” said Kate Lawrence, planner with the City of Albany Mayor’s Office of Energy & Sustainability.

Founded in early 2014 by a small group of environmentally conscious Albany residents, car sharing has been a hot topic in the Capital Region for about three years. A few supporters, such as Council Member Leah Golby, have been “dreaming of CarShare in this region since 2007.”

Powered by the same non-profit model as Buffalo CarShare, a successful program since 2007, and headed by its former Executive Director Randall, Capital CarShare is looking to raise $20,000 by June 7, 2014. Money will be used to fund the program, including the purchase of vehicles. 

Capital CarShare plans to fill in the gaps of public transportation and Randall is confident they can do just that. "There's a strong market for this in the Capital Region based on what we've seen in Buffalo,” says Randall. “The non-profit model has served members very well in Buffalo and I think it will make a great fit here in the capital,” said Randall.

Capital CarShare is located at 176 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206. For more information, please contact Nnenna Ferguson, Marketing Specialist at 310-482-9807. To donate to the Capital CarShare, visit their campaign on Indiegogo.