Sacramento's Electric Car Share Program Expanded to All Residents
"Gig is thrilled to bring the largest all-electric car sharing service in the United States to Sacramento, a city that's becoming recognized as a worldwide leader in zero-emission energy," said Jason Haight, president of GIG Car Share.
GIG Car Share, a service offered by AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah, recently expanded beta testing of its "free-floating" car share service to all residents of Sacramento, California. The program plans to release as many as 260 Electric Gigs for the public's use, depending on demand, according to City Hall.
"Gig is thrilled to bring the largest all-electric car sharing service in the United States to Sacramento, a city that's becoming recognized as a worldwide leader in zero-emission energy," said Jason Haight, president of GIG Car Share. "Gig is a service that's as convenient as owning your own car, but without the hassle. But we couldn't have brought an all-electric service here without the critical investment the city of Sacramento made to its energy and transportation infrastructure."
Residents now can pick up and drop off cars within a designated HomeZone, which is a 13 square-mile area covering the central city area and several neighborhoods to the south and east. More than 50 percent of Gig's Sacramento HomeZone falls within disadvantaged and low-income communities.
"Gig started testing the service in Sacramento earlier this year. Beta testers drove nearly 3,000 miles and took more than 500 trips in less than a month," Haight said.
Once a driver finds a Gig vehicle, the driver can choose to reserve it 30 minutes in advance or, if the car is free, the person can unlock with his or her phone, get in, and go. The cars in this program are Chevy Bolts. Gig members pay only for the time they use it; the pricing includes charging, parking, and insurance, with rates set at the lowest of three options: 40 cents per minute, $15 per hour, or $85 per day.
As part of the Sacramento launch, Gig is giving new members two free hours of driving time. Members must be 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.
"The city's electric-vehicle car share program lays the foundation to electrify transportation and make Sacramento a hub for advanced vehicle technologies," said Jennifer Venema, the city's Sustainability manager. "Not only do EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they also improve air quality, protect public health, and are increasingly affordable for everyday residents."