Followup: Early start to Car2Go’s West Seattle expansion

Though the West Seattle/South Seattle expansion of Car2Go‘s car-sharing service wasn’t supposed to start officially until tomorrow, its white-and-blue Smartcars are already here. Thanks to everyone who reported sightings; WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams found this one in the Alki area early today. And if you check the company’s Seattle availability map (thanks to Sue for sharing the link), you’ll see them listed from Duwamish Head to Lincoln Park. Car2Go’s expanded “home area” does not include all of the peninsula – that map is part of this update we published earlier this week. P.S. If you have questions, Car2Go tweeted that it would have reps at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today – we haven’t been there yet to check but will be stopping by shortly.

Lura Ercolano March 31, 2013 (11:50 am)

It will be fascinating to watch how this develops. I imagine there will be glitches and annoyances here and there – how responsive or flexible will the company and city be in resolving issues?
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The map says they’ve placed a car on Atlas. Interesting. Is it expected that someone will walk up or down Atlas to access that car?

kumalavula March 31, 2013 (12:10 pm)

just back from the sunny and crowded farmer’s market where they did have a booth, complete reps answering questions and it looked to me free small give-away prizes.

SudsyMaggie March 31, 2013 (12:30 pm)

Ah! I saw them all over West Seattle this morning and thought it was odd since launch was set for 4/1. Very cool!

HelperMonkey March 31, 2013 (3:16 pm)

All over Georgetown too!

MargeC March 31, 2013 (3:25 pm)

The Smartcar in the photo is parked along 63rd near Alki Ave, I believe – not Beach Drive.

WSB March 31, 2013 (3:43 pm)

Sorry, Marge, Nick said BD but I know you know your ‘hood so will take your word for it! Fixing! – TR

Sue March 31, 2013 (6:33 pm)

Lura, it’s possible that Car2Go did not actually put the car on Atlas, but someone could’ve driven it and then left it there. Cars can end their trip anywhere you want in the home area. They do move around as used.

boy March 31, 2013 (7:31 pm)

If there are going to do this they should use American made cars. It is bad to see tax payer money spent on a foreign car.

Lura Ercolano March 31, 2013 (8:31 pm)

boy – what tax payer money? The company is using Daimler cars because they are a subsidary of Daimler. They are intentionally building a larger market for their own cars.

no man March 31, 2013 (9:39 pm)

Car to go rocks. I got the free membership and even paying for one is worth it. You don’t pay for parking or gas. Thats right you can drive it downtown and avoid the 8 bucks or more. Any public street spot and leave it there as long as you want. =)

VBD April 1, 2013 (10:33 am)

I really like the idea of this, however, there is one thing that bothers me about their placement in Fauntleroy.

That area has zone 3 permitting specifically for the reason that people using the Vashon/Southworth ferry might leave cars in the neighborhood to use on the Seattle side, which is a big no-no. It looks as though this company may be placing cars there for that exact reason. I would think that the cars should be placed in neighborhoods for the residents to use, not outsiders looking for a way around the rules. Aside from the ferry, there is nothing special about that neighborhood (shopping, high density housing, etc.) that makes the cars attractive to the local residents.

ScottA April 1, 2013 (12:23 pm)

VBD – The strategy you mention is similar to cars that end up near light rail stations that have RPZ zones to limit non-resident parking. Admittedly, Fauntleroy is the only “island” in Seattle for Car2Go. If I lived in the “island” of coverage I’d be a bit frustrated with cars on the street but I’d also be pleased with having the option to use the cars.

Lura Ercolano April 2, 2013 (8:48 am)

VBD – I thougt of that, too, and wonder (1) How do the area residents feel, and (2) Will the always be enough available space to park a car2go before getting on the ferry?
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I have heard that mass transit works for more people when they have a reliable back-up plan. Is this option designed to allow a commuter to regularly use the bus/ferry combo, knowing that if they have to unexpectedly work late, and miss the last bus, they have a back-up way of getting to the 2-am ferry? But what if there is nowhere to park the car?
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planenut April 3, 2013 (10:04 am)

car2go says they have an agreement with the city to violate restricted parking zone regulations. Not even the residents in Fauntleroy can park in front of their houses without paying extra for a permit.
A public company can do this? What next, in front of fireplugs?

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