Twin Cities rental program offers Prius by the hour

From the Minnesota Star Tribune

A car-sharing program offering a number of cars for rent at hourly rates is set to begin in May in the Uptown and Loring Park neighborhoods of Minneapolis and the Lowertown neighborhood of St. Paul, the sponsor said Tuesday.

Who might consider it? People who need a car only occasionally, such as those who get to work by bus, on a bike or by walking. The program would allow people to avoid the financial burden of owning a car, yet have the use of a shared vehicle for errands or longer trips.

How does it work? The program, called HOURCAR, buys, insures and maintains a fleet of Toyota Prius hybrid cars that are parked in public locations. Members make reservations online or by phone to use a car. One car would serve 10 to 20 people.

Who sponsors it? The Neighborhood Energy Consortium of St. Paul, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote energy conservation. It got $275,000 from the federal government and local donors.

Cost: $150 one-time signup fee plus monthly dues of $5 to $20 and car usage fees based on how much you drive. Signup begins in April.

Car locations: In Minneapolis, two cars will be parked at Calhoun Square in Uptown and two at the Loring Municipal Parking Ramp at Nicollet Av. and Grant St. in Loring Park. In St. Paul, one car will be kept in the Block 19 Ramp at 7th and Jackson Sts., and one in the Lowertown Ramp at 4th and Jackson Sts.

Source: HOURCAR