ALBANY, N.Y. — The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) has formally launched DRIVE carsharing in the Capital Region. DRIVE carsharing affords a community of zero-emission automobiles 24 hours a day, seven days per week to clients. Those 21 years or older with a legitimate driver’s license and clear driving file can now make reservations on-line or by downloading the MioCar cellular app from the Apple or Google Play Store. DRIVE is the newest product in CDTA’s increasing sustainable mobility choices, becoming a member of mounted route service, STAR, CDPHP Cycle!, and FLEX On Demand.
“Mobility is evolving, and customers are focusing more and more on sustainability, affordability, and convenience when making their transportation decisions,” CDTA CEO Carm Basile mentioned in a information launch. “We have seen demand for alternative options through ridership numbers in DRIVE’s pilot program and the success of our sustainable mobility offerings. Whether it is a weekend trip, a drive to the grocery store, or commuting to work, DRIVE is here to get you where you need to be while reducing your carbon footprint. CDTA will continue to think creatively and imagine innovative transportation solutions for the region as we look towards a more sustainable future.”
In March 2022, CDTA introduced its newest mobility idea, DRIVE, the transportation system’s flagship electrical car-sharing service. CDTA performed a three-month pilot program in the fall of 2022 and might be taking a phased strategy to the program’s rollout, starting with six preliminary places in Albany County. Additional places and upcoming phases will correspond with buyer demand and regional charging infrastructure.
Phase one places:
Albany Public Library (Delaware Avenue Branch, 331 Delaware Avenue) • Maria College (parking zone off New Scotland Avenue entrance, Albany)
St. Vincent de Paul Parish (900 Madison Avenue, Albany)
Cohoes BRT Station (65 Remsen Street, Cohoes)
Lark/Washington BRT Station (143 Washington Avenue, close to the Albany Public Library Washington Avenue Branch)
Albany County Department of Mental Health parking zone (175 Green Street)
Customers can e-book a car anytime for $5 per hour together with a one-time $20 software payment. Insurance, car upkeep, and roadside help are included in the hourly price together with 150 miles of driving earlier than clients accrue a $0.35 per further mile cost. Payments might be with credit score, debit, or pay as you go playing cards. Vehicles are to be returned to their house location at the finish of a rental and plugged in for charging utilizing the offered cost card.
“CDTA’s DRIVE Program will provide Capital Region residents access to a convenient car share service that is reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly. I am very appreciative of the partners who have helped make this possible and the staff who have worked hard to develop this program,” Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh mentioned.
“This is an exciting step forward as we invest in two of my top priorities: Electric vehicles and equity. I’m proud that Albany County could provide the EV charging infrastructure for the DRIVE program at our Health and Mental Health Departments in the South End, ensuring that this historically underserved Environmental Justice area has greater access to convenient transportation options, but without the added carbon emissions,” mentioned Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. “CDTA shares our vision for a greener and more sustainable future, and I’m thrilled to continue our partnership on the road ahead.”
“I would like to thank CDTA for choosing to partner with Cohoes, a New York State-designated Disadvantaged Community and Environmental Justice area, that is uniquely positioned to benefit from transportation alternatives like DRIVE,” mentioned Cohoes Mayor William Keeler. “The DRIVE carsharing program is a positive way for Cohoes to advance our goals of fostering sustainability and providing affordable, accessible services for our residents and visitors.”