GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids announced the launch of a new program that will allow the public to rent an electric vehicle for $5 an hour.
The city said the DART GR "(D)rive (AR)ound (T)own (GR)and Rapids" electric vehicle (EV) CarShare program aims to break down barriers for people who need short-term transportation.
"For many, especially those who don't own a car, getting around the city can be a challenge," said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. "This carshare program provides a flexible, reliable alternative to bridge that gap. Whether you need a car for a few hours or just to run a few quick errands, this initiative puts convenience in the hands of our community."
The pilot program is open to individuals who are 21 and older and have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and a valid credit, debit or pre-paid card.
DART GR currently offers five, four-door 2023 Chevrolet Bolts for rent.
The vehicles can be found at charging stations throughout the city at West Fulton Lot, Madison Square Lot, Eastown Ethel Lot, Weston Commerce Ramp and Government Center Ramp.
The city said a sixth vehicle will be added to the Burton Division Lot by the end of the year.
Consumers Energy partnered with the city to install new EV infrastructure in the CarShare lots. Each lot now has a dual-port charger. One charger is dedicated to CarShare and the other is available to the public, reservable and payable through the MOTU app.
Those interested in using the program should create an account through the program's app, available here or through Android/iOS as "MDO Carshare." They'll need to upload a photo of their driver's license and a payment method to create an account.
There is a one-time fee of $10 for checking driving records. Membership processing usually takes a few days.
Once approved, you can reserve a vehicle in advance using the app or website.
The vehicle can be unlocked by the member at their reserved time. The hourly rate for the vehicle is $5. The first 150 miles are included, but additional miles cost $0.45 per mile.
When the trip is completed, the vehicle needs to be returned to its original station and plugged into the charger.
More information and updates on the program can be found on the City of Grand Rapids' Mobile GR Department website. People can also contact 311 Customer Service at (616) 456-3000 or 311.
