Hoboken teams up with Connect by Hertz to launch “Corner Cars” on June 16th. This is the nation’s first city-wide car sharing program. The car-sharing vehicle location is within a 5 minute walk of more than 90 percent of Hoboken’s residents.

The “Corner Cars” program operated by Connect by Hertz is Hoboken’s city-wide car-sharing service which allows residents to rent a vehicle by the hour, day or week. Rates start at $5 per hour and include gas, roadside assistance, navigation system, and insurance.

“We’re proud to partner with Hertz to offer our residents the first true city-wide car-sharing program in the country,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “This creative program will save residents thousands of dollars compared to owning a car and eliminate the stress and hassle of looking for parking in our city.”

More than 750 vehicles are anticipated being removed from Hoboken’s crowded streets during the initial phase.

City Council President Peter Cunningham informed concerned residents that the outcome of the parking situation would result the same if a new 750 car garage was built, except that it won’t cost taxpayers a thing.

“Instead of taking on millions of dollars in taxpayer debt for structured parking, residents who switch to car-sharing will save thousands of dollars,” said Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs. “It’s the 21st Century solution to contemporary urban parking woes.”

A majority of Hoboken residents own vehicles, but commute daily by transit, bus, bike, or walking. Their cars are moved for street cleaning, or parked in garages for high rates. Their cars are used for grocery shopping, visiting people from out of town, or heading down to the shore for the day.

Everyone will benefit from the car-sharing. There will be fewer cars on the streets, which makes parking easier. A decrease in traffic means safer streets for children, less noise, and less wear and tear on the roads. Residents can save thousands of dollars per year, and never have to worry about finding parking again.

On Thursday, June 17th, Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs will host a community forum to discuss transportation and parking issues with residents. The forum will run from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand Street.

In addition to this community forum, “Corner Cars” will formally be kicking off on Wednesday, June 16 at 4:30 PM at the intersection of 2nd Street and Harrison Street (the location of one of 21 car-sharing locations). Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Transportation & Parking Director Ian Sacs will be taking a vehicle for an inaugural drive as other Council Members, Hertz representatives, other elected officials and Hoboken residents look on.