car2go, Austin’s new mobility program, today announced a new partnership with urbanspace, one of the city’s leading real estate firms. Under the partnership, more than 30 of urbanspace’s agents and staff will be granted access to car2go’s fleet of 200 smart fortwo vehicles at the standard per minute rate. urbanspace agents will have greater convenience to downtown properties and will also expose their clients to car2go’s innovative mobility program.
“urbanspace and car2go share a common vision of participating in Austin’s rapid growth while preserving what is so unique about the city and its residents,” said Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of car2go North America, LLC. “We are excited to partner with such a forward-looking, truly Austin company like urbanspace.”
car2go offers mobility to urbanspace clients who are moving to downtown Austin, one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country. As a complement to existing public transportation options, car2go eliminates the burdens of limited downtown parking, high gas costs and congestion. Furthermore, car2go aims to significantly reduce Austin’s carbon footprint leading to a better, healthier quality of life.
“urbanspace is committed to developing sustainable designs to accommodate Austin’s rapid urban growth,” said Roland Galang, Senior Agent of urbanspace. “car2go’s transportation solutions for downtown Austin are a perfect match for urbanspace.“
Founded in 2000, urbanspace focuses on high-end residential, commercial and mixed-use spaces. More than 30 agents provide development consulting and marketing services for numerous projects around Austin. urbanspace has professional affiliations with the Real Estate Council of Austin, the Urban Land Institute, Austin Board of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.
urbanspace is one of the first car2go partners in Austin, Texas. In November 2009, Daimler launched the car2go pilot program in cooperation with the City of Austin. In February 2010, car2go joined forces with LIVESTRONG, an Austin-based cancer support organization founded by champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. At the end of March, car2go announced a partnership with the State of Texas providing State employees the opportunity to become members. And in April 2010 car2go welcomed the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas as a new partner.
Unlike traditional carsharing programs, car2go is not station-based. A fleet of 200 car2gos is located throughout the greater downtown Austin area and can be accessed “on-demand”. The members may use the vehicle for as long as they like, without committing to a specific return time. The driver can finish the rental in any available public parking space within the business area or at one of the specially marked car2go spaces. Charges are based on minutes used and include fuel, insurance, parking and maintenance.
On May 21st, car2go will launch its mobility program to the Austin public with a free event at Republic Square Park on 5th Street and Guadalupe. The event will feature live bands, great food from Austin’s most loved vendors, and fun-filled activities for kids and families. Bands to perform include the Joe Ely Band, the Gourds, Del Castillo, Black and White Years, and the Lemurs.