e-Go CarShare expands

Getting to Thornton for a meeting is a little more challenging for senior physics and education major Ryan O'Block. But with e-Go CarShare, he has the option to make getting around simpler.

Getting to Thornton for a meeting is a little more challenging for senior physics and education major Ryan O'Block. But with e-Go CarShare, he has the option to make getting around simpler.

O'Block doesn't have a car in Boulder, making him plan ahead for necessary trips.

He isn't completely helpless; he is a member of e-Go CarShare, a local non-profit that has been in Boulder since 2001. It allows members to reserve a car ahead of time for occasional trips in the Boulder and Denver area.

The idea of sharing a car is catching on in Boulder; e-Go has announced that they are expanding their fleet from 23 cars to 46 for its nearly 200 members that are affiliated with the CU community.

"We're really excited to be adding three more cars on the CU campus," Worminghaus said. "We started last March on the CU campus with three cars on campus and the program's been tremendously successful."

O'Block said he understands why it is a popular program. "As more people figure out how awesome this thing is, it's going to be harder and harder to reserve cars," he said. "So by expanding the fleet, it's going to make things double as easy."

To benefit from the e-Go CarShare program, one must apply for membership. To be eligible, one must have at least two years of licensed driving experience, a clean driving record if under 21 and a "very good" driving record if 21-and-over. According to www.carshare.org, either a Colorado or out-of-state license is required.

Rates do apply when one reserves a car. There are also monthly and "Peace of mind" plans that one can choose when their application is accepted.

"They pay by the hour and by the mile," Worminghaus said. "Our rates do include gas and full insurance for everyone."

O'Block was impressed by the quality and variety of cars that e-Go offers.

"I thought it was going to be a wimpy hybrid car, but it's got a lot of giddy-up," he said. "I was passing people on the highway."

Getting into the car is as unique as the program itself. Members get a "key fob," an electronic sensor that grants entry into the vehicle. Once open, the keys to the ignition are inside.

"I simply hold my fob up to the fob reader. It will beep and the car will unlock," Worminghaus demonstrated. "Every time I leave the car, particularly at the end of the trip, I fob out, and it locks the car."

Worminghaus said it compliments the Eco Pass option that CU offers; people can use the bus with the Eco Pass and then CarShare when they need it.

The additional vehicles will be available at Newton Court on Folsom Street, Williams Village and Bear Creek, Worminghaus said.

For more information including rates and plans, go to www.carshare.org.