Politics & Government
Hollywood Area To Get Pilot Car-Sharing Program
The LA City Council approved a pilot car-sharing program for Council District 4. The effort has been in the works for five years.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday approved a pilot program for both fixed-space and point-to-point car-sharing, taking a significant step forward on a plan that has been in the works for about five years.
"I am thrilled to welcome a new car-sharing pilot to Los Angeles and to Council District Four," Councilman David Ryu said. "These new mobility options will enable Angelenos to choose different forms of transit as needed, whether that is a car, bike, bus or train, helping to lower city congestion and transform how we get around Los Angeles."
The original motion that led to the creation of the pilot program was introduced in 2013 by Ryu's predecessor, Tom LaBonge, who left office in 2015.
Find out what's happening in Hollywoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I think it's important that we look at all methods to be more mobile," LaBonge told City News Service. "The most frustrating thing I've heard from Angelenos about the city is traffic and traffic impact, and if it helps the flow and mobility of Angelenos, it's a good thing. So I thank the mayor and the council for their continued leadership here."
Fixed-space car-sharing allows users to pick up a vehicle and drop it off at a designated parking space within a defined area, and point-to-point car- sharing allows individuals to pick up a car from one location and drop it off in any legal parking space, with parking meters prepaid by the car-sharing provider.
Find out what's happening in Hollywoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Both car-share systems would allow for reservations to be made online or through a smartphone. Similar programs exist in San Francisco, Boston and Chicago.
The 13-0 vote by the City Council includes rules and guidelines from the Department of Transportation for the city to manage the car-share program and establishes a fee structure for parking and permitting of private car-share companies.
The council vote directs LADOT to report back in 180 days with the status of the pilot.
"These kinds of car-sharing ideas are perfect for Los Angeles, where many folks want the flexibility to drive when needed but don't always want the financial burden of owning a car," Ryu said.
The pilot program still requires the signature of Mayor Eric Garcetti to move forward.
City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock
