eGo CarShare & Boulder Chamber partnership

eGo CarShare & Boulder Chamber partnership

eGo CarShare – Colorado’s first and only non-profit carsharing org in Boulder County and Denver – is very proud to announce our new partnership with Boulder Chamber! This includes adding our newest carshare location onsite in the Chamber’s parking lot at Walnut and Folsom!

A business eGo CarShare (www.carshare.org) membership replaces the need of managing an in-house fleet or reimbursing employees for parking, mileage and gas. With business and nonprofit rates as low as $4/hour and $0.33/mile, we are also offering a special $75 in driving credit for Boulder Chamber members. Extremely affordable and convenient, your business can also say goodbye to the rising costs of gas, insurance, maintenance and a parking spot. They’re all on us!

Membership allows access to cars 24 hours a day to our fleet of 50+ fuel efficient and specialty vehicles, for as little as 15 minutes at a time. Just make a booking online, use your personal key fob to unlock the car and return it to the same location when you’re done.

Our fleet of strategically placed vehicles around town, near bus stops and close to B-Cycle stations will allow your employees and member businesses to maximize their transportation options while saving money, mitigating traffic and supporting a cleaner environment. On a yearly basis, each carshare vehicle in service:

  • Replaces approximately 15 personally owned vehicles
  • Reduces an estimated 150,000 vehicle miles travelled (VMT)
  • Averts over 8,000 gallons of gas from being used
  • Prevents over 73 tons of greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere
  • Helps our members drive an average of 44% less and save around $6,500 in car expenses
A proud eGo Panda!

A proud eGo Panda!

Multiply these figures by 50, and ask the 2,900+ members who rely on eGo on a daily basis, and you can see the impact our entire fleet is having in the community each year! Learn more about our business and non-profit memberships and rates at https://carshare.org/business-nonprofit-rates/ or contact [email protected] to discuss your Boulder Chamber Member discount.

RollCO_ad_from_Lamar_lower_resRollCO_ad_from_Lamar_lower_res

We’re super excited to announce the recent launch of “Roll Colorado” (www.RollColorado.org), a car-lite mobility access program that brings together bike sharing, car sharing and public transit. As a part of our commitment to an alternative and more affordable “multi-modal” approach to travelling, Roll Colorado provides education and offers, bringing together bike sharing, car sharing and public transit, making it even more affordable and convenient to be trip smart.

A project of eGo CarShare, Roll Colorado includes close partnerships and cooperation with Way to Go, B-Cycle, Boulder Transportation Connections (BTC), Community Cycles and GoBoulder. As a part of this, Roll Colorado is offering $100 worth of eGo CarShare, B-cycle & RTD creditfor free!

Roll Colorado launched its program to help develop the  trend toward car-lite living and helping people to spend less on owning and maintaining a car that sees only a few hours of use per day, in favor of transportation sharing. By packaging bike share access, free tickets on RTD and eGo CarShare membership, Roll Colorado makes it even more affordable and convenient to get there better.

With #RollColorado you can save time, money and peace of mind while discovering a happier, healthier and more economical way to get there! So accelerate your freedom today at www.rollcolorado.org!

 

Recently at the Heroes of Sustainability Award Gala for the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Mayor of Denver Michael Hancock spoke about issues surrounding sustainability in this beautiful state we call home. While his understanding of, and commitment to, these issues are impressive, the questions is “Ok but now what?”

Mayor Hancock has already taken amazing strides towards local and regional sustainability by creating a Denver Office of Sustainability within the Mayor’s Office itself. This, among other things, has resulted in Denver’s 2020 Sustainability Goals which provide a roadmap to protect and manage our existing basic resources for the long term. According to Denver’s Office of Sustainability, the 2020 Sustainability Goals focus on 12 resource areas and set goals for the City and County of Denver as well as the Front Range community at-large. Those resource areas are: air quality, climate change, energy, food, health, housing, land use, materials, mobility, water quantity and quality, and workforce.

But what does this all mean on the ground? Given that transportation, urban health, traffic, recreation (walking and biking), parking and carbon emissions (to just name a few issues) are all wrapped up in one big, complex, and intertwined system, we here at eGo CarShare have been curious to see how tackling mobility in one of the hottest growth markets in the nation would pan out in practice.
Well, there’s no more wondering how “cool” the Mayor is! Mayor Hancock has once again proven his resolution to environmental and economic sustainability by announcing his administration’s commitment to doubling the share of commutes by transit, biking, and walking by 2030! But how does Denver plan on getting there? By investing in a $2 billion “mobility action plan” that aims to reduce the share of commutes by solo driving from 73 percent to 50 percent over the same period.
To see this put into action around mobility is refreshing to say the least. Here at eGo, we are excited and look forward to engaging with the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to see how this will play out and what eGo CarShare can do to help . Read more about this on Streetsblog.

JennaBee_yoga_gear_Prius_webJennaBee_yoga_gear_Prius_web

I was in an accident in June of 2016 and unable to replace my car right away.  I spent the summer biking a lot, and getting a lot of rides from wonderfully supportive friends.  I was amazed at just how much I was able to do in Boulder with a bike and a little extra planning.  But I definitely missed the alone time I used to spend in the car– and the sense of independence that came from being able to drive anywhere, whenever I wanted.

As summer came to a close, a close friend started making travel plans that would leave his car in Boulder, unused for about 3 months.  He was kind and trusting enough to let me drive his car whenever I needed it– and I was reminded of how much easier life was with a car.  As I priced out options to replace my car on his return, I just couldn’t get the numbers to work out.  I operate my own business as a yoga teacher– traveling to teach many of my classes onsite.  Most of my work is in Boulder, so technically bikeable, but on any given day I need to transport a bunch of yoga mats, my computer and other “work stuff,” and oftentimes other various athletic equipment.  This can all be tricky on a bike through the Colorado winter.

A friend suggested that I look into carshare programs, so I decided to price it out.  When I saw eGo’s non-profit mission, and experienced personalized support through the application process, I was sold.  As I learned the ins and outs of the program, the team was available to answer any questions or concerns that I had.  I’ve been a member for about a month and a half now and I feel more motivated, empowered, and free in my business and my life.  This whole experience has showed me that I actually used to attach a lot of my independence to my car.  When it was gone one day, I was shocked at how little it affected me logistically, but how much it affected my feeling of independence.  So now, it’s perfect.  I have access to a car whenever I need it.  I can give friends rides again, repaying so many of the favors I called in over the past year.  I can even grab a pickup and help somebody move!  Most importantly, I can accept any new business opportunity that comes my way, with confidence that transportation won’t be an issue.

As a yoga teacher, I encourage my students to use their bodies and minds as effectively and efficiently as possible.  As a member of eGo Carshare, I feel like I’m using my time and money– and bicycle– optimally.  I’m so grateful to have found out about this valuable resource, headquartered right around the corner.

Jenna Bee

Founder and Yoga Teacher, All Terrain Yoga

Karen_award_cropHappy Spring eGo CarShare friends!  We hope you are enjoying Spring in Colorado!

As a part of seasonal change, we’d like to update you on some exciting eGo CarShare changes to better serve you – our members.

In order to help us move into the future, eGo CarShare is happy to announce the addition of new leadership to our team. Recently, the Board of eGo CarShare announced the selection of Peter Krahenbuhl as our new Chief Executive Officer, and we couldn’t be more excited! But don’t worry, I’m not going away anytime soon. Peter will take over the executive management function as I move into a strategic operations role, while finally taking some muchneeded personal time to spend with my family.

Peter brings extensive leadership experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors locally to globally in the fields of sustainability and travel. His knowledge, drive and experience will add significant value to eGo’s service to our community and members, while positioning the organization to face the unique challenges and opportunities in the new mobility market.

As a team, along with our awesome support staff, Peter and I are already off to a great 2017. We’re super excited about all of the new opportunities, announcements and community support that we will continue to provide in order to help our Colorado community live a more healthy, active, carbon-free and car-lite lifestyle!

And a special thanks to you, all of our members and community partners who have supported us since we launched in 2001! It’s because of you that we are one of only six communities in the United States that has a thriving local, non-profit carshare program.

-Karen Worminghaus, eGo CarShare co-founder

During the summer of 2016 project teams from Blueprint Denver and Denver Moves: Transit held focus groups with Denver Land Use and Transit Stakeholder representatives.  Their goal was to better understand how Denver residents, employees, and visitors want land use, mobility and transit in Denver to be over the next 20 years. Both Blueprint Denver and Denver Moves are part of a larger community-driven planning process titled Denveright, which challenges you to shape how you want to Denver to evolve in four key areas: land use, mobility, parks, and recreational resources.

 

As 2017 begins there is still another opportunity for you and your community to contribute to the development of the Denveright vision by looking over the graphic plan and providing feedback at the bottom of this webpage:

https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denveright/share-your-voice/values-and-vision.html

 

On October 25th, eGo CarShare held an event at the Pumphouse in Longmont to promote the benefits carsharing. Held in conjunction with Citizens for Open Space and Sustainability, the event featured a talk by Boulder County Commissioner Deb Gardner on the importance of sustainable communities to maintaining our way of life. New members who signed up that night received $35 in driving credit. A special promotion through the end of December is offering new members who reside in Longmont $25 in driving credit when applying online with promotional code LONGMONT$25.

With two cars in Longmont at 6th & Main St. and 287 & Pike Rd., eGo CarShare hopes to encourage more Longmont residents to take advantage of its affordable and convenient service. Gas and insurance are included in eGo’s rates, along with 24/7 access to a fleet of more than 50 cars and trucks at locations in Longmont, Boulder and Denver.

To see carsharing in action, please watch this video on the eGo CarShare YouTube page

co_gives_day_dec_6_2016_logo_url

Continuing the tradition of community support for nonprofits, the 7th Annual Colorado Gives Day is happening again on December 6, 2016.

ColoradoGives.org is a year-round, online giving website featuring more than 1,800 Colorado nonprofit organizations. Made possible by Community First Foundation since 2007, ColoradoGives.org encourages charitable giving by providing comprehensive, objective and up-to-date information about Colorado nonprofits and an easy way to support them online.   All of the charities on ColoradoGives.org are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and the Secretary of State and are in good standing. Donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions to the full extent permitted by law.

Please look over our section of this great fundraising website and pledge support if you are able to.  We greatly appreciate your involvement, both financially and in your actions to help reduce the impact of motor vehicle use in the Boulder-Denver area.

https://www.coloradogives.org/eGoCarShare/programs

ego_happyhour_flyer_cropPlease join eGo CarShare on October 25, 2016 as we launch a new member drive in Longmont. With two cars in Longmont at 6th & Main St. and 287 & Pike Rd., eGo CarShare hopes to encourage more Longmont residents to take advantage of its affordable and convenient service. Gas and insurance are included in driving rates, along with 24/7 access to a fleet of more than 50 cars and trucks at locations in Longmont, Boulder and Denver.

eGo CarShare began serving Longmont in 2015 with a supporting grant from Boulder County’s Mobility for All program to provide additional  transportation options for low-income residents. Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) residents and Longmont Housing Authority (LHA) residents in Longmont receive free eGo memberships and discounted carshare usage rates. eGo is also currently offering new members from the general public $25 in driving credit with promotional code LONGMONT$25.

“We’re thrilled about launching a member drive in Longmont to bring new multi-modal options to residents here. CarSharing offers many benefits to the community of Longmont. As Longmont’s population grows, so will its demand for more transportation options,” said eGo CarShare’s Executive Director, Karen Worminghaus.

CarSharing coincides directly with the City of Longmont’s Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, with a vision to “develop and improve a safe, efficient, and convenient transportation system that provides viable mobility choices for all Longmont residents.” “We support carsharing as a viable alternative to owning a car in Longmont,” said Longmont Transportation Planner Phil Greenwald. eGo CarShare has worked with the Longmont Downtown Development Authority to help secure its downtown location in the parking lot off 6th & Main street. “We have been pleased to work with eGo CarShare to offer service in Longmont. It’s a convenient service that contributes to transportation options in Longmont’s downtown,” said Kimberlee McKee, Executive Director of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority.

Access to carsharing for the greater Longmont community integrates effectively with Boulder County’s RideFree Longmont program, which allows all of Longmont’s local buses to be free for anyone to use. “We are proud to support eGo CarShare’s member drive in Longmont. CarSharing fulfills a vital role in the  transportation options that are available to low-income and underserved populations, that are the focus of our Mobility for All program,” said Angel Bond, Mobility for All Program Manager, Boulder County Transportation.

 

*Media are invited to attend the following event!*

 

Date: Tuesday, October 25th, 2016

Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant 540 Main. St. Longmont, CO

What: Happy Hour to learn more about eGo CarShare in Longmont. Members of the public are invited to find out more about how eGo CarShare can help them lead a car-free or car-lite lifestyle. Event is being co-sponsored by Citizens for Sustainability and Open Space.

Hello eGo CarShare Community,

As many of you know, eGo CarShare (formerly Boulder CarShare) has been a central part of my life since we first launched back in 2001. I continue to be very committed to seeing our organization grow and thrive in the Metro area, but the time is right to make some changes – both for me personally, as well as organizationally for eGo CarShare.

With our recent software transition behind us, we have the opportunity to restructure and streamline some of our positions. I’m also personally looking to ‘restructure’ my life in a way that affords me the flexibility to spend more time with my family in the Midwest. (I would not have been able to help start Boulder CarShare without the help and support of my family, and it’s time for me to return that support.) Therefore, in the upcoming months I’ll be passing the torch to a new Executive Director and we’re also consolidating our Member Support and Billing positions.

I’ll be staying on as ED until we have hired a new ED who will lead our organization on to another exciting chapter in our organization’s future, at which point I will shift more fully to Operations Management and/or an advising capacity, which will allow me more flexibility and time for family.

Our new and improved software system is also allowing us to restructure some of our internal operations, so we are currently hiring for a Member Support/Billing Manager extraordinaire.

Both of our job postings are on our blog. If you would like to become a more active part of the eGo CarShare team, we welcome you to apply.

I look forward to this new chapter in my life, as well as a new phase for eGo CarShare.

I would like to thank our board, staff, and all our members and various partners for your support throughout the years. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your help, support, and involvement.

With appreciation,

Karen Worminghaus

Executive Director

eGo CarShare