"car2go will redefine personal transportation in the City of Toronto with a service that is unmatched in innovation and flexibility," said Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go Canada. "Anytime, anywhere, car2go members in Toronto will have unlimited access to a car through our state-of-the-art carsharing technology. Today, people who embrace an urban lifestyle want convenient and cost-effective transportation options that are available when they need it and where they need it. car2go provides that solution."
The car2go carsharing model, when used alongside existing public transportation, rideshare and bikeshare alternatives, serves to substantially reduce the CO2 emissions and traffic congestion that are common in densely populated urban cores such as Toronto. Long term, car2go will play an important role in furtherenhancing the City of Toronto’s status as one of the world’s most livable cities.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the continued expansion of car2go in Canada following its highly successful launch in Vancouver," said Tim A. Reuss, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "car2go's revolutionary approach to carsharing is very well-suited to the Canadian market, and the smart fortwo's compact dimensions make it an ideal choice to efficiently navigate congested downtown streets. I am extremely pleased that this innovative program will now offer Torontonians a convenient and cost effective transportation solution with a wide range of benefits."
“Invest Toronto is excited to welcome car2go to Toronto,” said Renato Discenza, president and CEO of Invest Toronto. “We welcome their investment and look forward to watching them grow here.”
Open for Business
Beginning Saturday, June 30, there will be 250 car2go edition smart fortwo vehicles available for people to use and share collaboratively. Those who register to become car2go members will receive a membership card that will allow them to gain access to and drive in any of the available car2go vehicles in Toronto, whenever they need it, for as long as they need it, without having to commit to a return time or location.
Registration is open online at Toronto.car2go.com. For a limited time, all new members who use the promotion code TDOT will receive 30 free minutes of driving time, and currently the one-time $35 membership fee is being waived.
A New Way to Carshare
car2go provides an entirely new way of carsharing that gives members 24/7 access to a free-floating network of smart fortwo cars. It differs from traditional carshare or car rental companies, particularly in these three areas:
- BY THE MINUTE:Members pay only for the time they use the car, by the minute, with discounted rates for hourly and daily use. There is no minimum amount of time that a car can be used. Whether they need a car for 10 minutes or an entire day, members simply get in and drive, for as long as they want without having to commit to a specific return time or location. Parking, fuel, maintenance and insurance are included at no additional cost, and there are no annual or monthly fees.
- ON DEMAND:Members can use the first available car2go they find, via a smartphone app, via the car2go vehicle finder at car2go.com, by calling the customer call center, or by simply locating an available car2go. Reservations are not required because with car2go, members have unrestricted and unlimited access to car2go vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- FREE-FLOATING:Members can pick up and drop off a car2go anywhere within the car2go Home Area in an authorized Green P, Target Park or Toronto University parking area. They can simply drive the car for as long as they need it, park the car in one of the designated parking areas, and end the rental by swiping the card on the windshield reader. Instantly the car becomes available for the next member to use.
Launch Events
car2go is celebrating the launch of its ground-breaking carsharing program in Toronto this weekend at several public events throughout the city. The premier car2go launch event at SCHOOL restaurant will take place Sunday, July 1, and is open to the public, free of charge.
At each event, visitors will learn how car2go works, receive free registration and 30 free minutes of driving time, and have the opportunity to win additional prizes. The launch event at SCHOOL will also provide guests with complimentary food and drinks as well as a chance to drive in a car2go.
Additional launch event details are as follows:
Pride TorontoJune 29, 2012, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
June 30 – July 1, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
At Church Street between Alexander and Wood Streets
Free member registration, 30 free minutes of driving time, and the chance to win prizes
June 30 – July 1, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
At Church Street between Alexander and Wood Streets
Free member registration, 30 free minutes of driving time, and the chance to win prizes
Jazz FestJune 29 – July 1, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Nathan Phillips Square, located across from Toronto Town Hall
Free member registration, 30 free minutes of driving time, and the chance to win prizes
Nathan Phillips Square, located across from Toronto Town Hall
Free member registration, 30 free minutes of driving time, and the chance to win prizes
SCHOOL RestaurantJuly 1, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In Liberty Village, located at 70 Fraser Avenue, Toronto, ON M6K 3E1
This premier event includes free food and drink, and test drives of the car2go vehicles, plus free member registration, 30 free minutes of driving time, and the chance to win prizes
In Liberty Village, located at 70 Fraser Avenue, Toronto, ON M6K 3E1
This premier event includes free food and drink, and test drives of the car2go vehicles, plus free member registration, 30 free minutes of driving time, and the chance to win prizes