Car sharing in New York City offers a flexible and cost-effective transportation solution, providing on-demand access to vehicles for short periods, typically by the hour or day. This service covers all maintenance costs, making it an attractive alternative to traditional car ownership in the bustling urban environment of NYC.
The Advantages of Car Share Programs in NYC
Nyc Car Share Programs deliver significant benefits to both the environment and city residents:
- Improved Air Quality: By reducing the number of privately owned vehicles on the roads, car sharing contributes to cleaner air throughout the city.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Car share programs help decrease the overall vehicle density, alleviating traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Lower Transportation Costs: For individuals and households, car sharing can substantially reduce transportation expenses compared to the costs associated with owning, insuring, and maintaining a personal vehicle in NYC.
- Enhanced Mobility Options: Car sharing expands transportation choices for New Yorkers, offering convenient access to cars without the commitment of ownership.
Understanding How NYC Car Share Works
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) facilitates car share programs by allocating designated parking spaces to approved Carshare Organizations (CSOs). These dedicated spots are strategically located at curbside and within municipal parking facilities across the five boroughs.
Members of car share services can easily reserve a vehicle online or via an app, locate the car at its reserved parking spot, and drive off. Upon completion of their trip, users return the vehicle to the same designated parking space.
Becoming a Carshare Member in NYC
Currently, two primary companies operate within the NYC Carshare program:
- Truqit
- Zipcar
To participate, prospective users need to register directly with either Truqit or Zipcar. The application process typically requires a valid driver’s license and payment information.
Both Truqit and Zipcar are committed to accessibility, offering vehicles equipped with professionally installed hand controls within 48 hours of a member’s request.
Furthermore, these companies frequently provide attractive discounts and introductory offers, including reduced rates for NYCHA residents and participants in the SNAP program. For the most current details on membership benefits and special offers, it is recommended to visit the respective websites of Truqit and Zipcar.
Finding Car Share Parking Locations in NYC
Easily locate car share parking spaces throughout New York City using these resources:
Carshare Curbside Locations on NYC Open Data
Carshare Locations in Municipal Garages and Lots on NYC Open Data
Please note: As of April 30, 2024, Getaround has ceased operations in New York State. NYC DOT is actively working to redistribute these parking spaces. An updated map reflecting the current car share locations will be available shortly.
NYC Car Share Parking Regulations
Car share parking spaces located on city streets are clearly marked with signage indicating the designated car share company. Typically, these spaces are paired and positioned at the corners of unmetered residential blocks.
The parking regulation indicated on these signs, “OTHERS NO STANDING,” strictly prohibits non-car share vehicles from parking or standing in these designated spots. While briefly stopping to drop off or pick up passengers is permitted, loading or unloading goods or merchandise by non-car share vehicles is not allowed.
Enforcement of Car Share Parking Rules
The NYPD is authorized to issue tickets and tow vehicles that are illegally parked in designated car share spaces. Additionally, car share companies have the authority to relocate non-compliant vehicles to the nearest legal parking spot at no cost to the vehicle owner.
Street Cleaning and Car Share Parking
Alternate side parking regulations are waived for designated car share parking spaces. Car share companies are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of these spaces, adhering to the same cleaning frequency as the adjacent alternate side parking regulations.
How Car Share Organizations Can Participate in NYC
Carshare Organizations (CSOs) interested in joining the NYC Carshare program must register with NYC DOT to become qualified operators.
CSO registration is an ongoing process, open throughout the year.
Steps for CSO Registration
To register, CSOs are required to provide the following information:
- The legal registered name of the CSO and any “Doing Business As” (DBA) certification.
- A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation and proof of registration with the New York State Department of State.
- The company’s physical address, a contact person, phone number, and email address.
- Detailed information about the CSO’s operations specifically within New York City. This includes the total number of car share vehicles in the NYC fleet, the locations and number of private garages and existing car share parking sites, and the number of equity car share parking sites.
- Comprehensive details about the CSO’s pricing structure, including any variations based on location or time.
Register to become a qualified operator via the Carshare Program Registration Webform
Upon successful registration, CSOs will receive access to a siting request platform from NYC DOT. This platform is used to apply for specific operational locations within the city.
Online submissions via the webform are strongly encouraged. If online submission is not feasible, requests can be directed to NYC DOT via email: [email protected].
Program Resources for Carshare Organizations
The Carshare Program Package provides a comprehensive overview of the program details, outlining the responsibilities of permit holders, data reporting requirements, and necessary permit application forms for CSOs. Carshare Program Package – Updated materials will be provided prior to the next application cycle.
Site Selection Criteria & Associated Fees
On-Street Curbside Locations
The Carshare program supports both round-trip and one-way car share services. CSOs interested in securing dedicated curbside parking can request locations throughout New York City that meet specific siting criteria. Permits are required annually for each new site and for the renewal of existing locations. The annual permit fee for both new and existing sites is $475.
CSOs utilizing standard parking spaces for point-to-point car sharing services do not require a permit. However, vehicles using regular parking spaces must comply with all standard parking regulations.
Municipal Parking Facility Locations
NYC DOT manages two types of municipal parking facilities: outdoor, unattended metered parking fields and parking garages. Within pre-selected NYC DOT municipal parking facilities, up to 10% or 10 spaces (whichever is less) are allocated for the Carshare program. NYC DOT assigns these spaces, generally in pairs, to qualified CSOs within each facility.
The annual fee for car share parking spaces within municipal facilities is determined by the existing municipal parking permit rates applicable to each specific location.
NYC Carshare Pilot Program
NYC initiated a citywide car share pilot program in 2018, establishing over 280 parking spaces for car share vehicles in municipal parking lots and on streets across select neighborhoods.
Relevant Reports and Further Reading
NYC Carshare Pilot Report
Roundtrip Carsharing in New York City: An Evaluation of a Pilot Program and System Impacts by Berkley Institute of Transportation Services
NYC Carshare Pilot First Year Progress Report
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding the Carshare program, please Contact NYC DOT online.
