College Park notables came out to help unveil two new Flexcars downtown Wednesday, expressing hopes that the newly expanded fleet will help alleviate area congestion and a parking crunch.
The two new cars were introduced with a block party on Wednesday evening by opening the top of a convertible MiniCooper blaring music. Snowcones and Frisbees were handed out in a marketing campaign aimed at grabbing student interest.
The Flexcar marketing staff has been present at student orientation and transportation events to promote Flexcars as an alternative to students bringing their own cars to the campus. The cars, left in designated spots, can be rented out by registered Flexcar members for an hourly or monthly fee.
“Flexcars allow people to commute to work via public transportation,” Transportation Services Director David Allen said, “and give them the availability to have access to a car in the middle of the day during an emergency or an appointment.”
Mayor Steven Brayman said giving the new Flexcars prime parking locations will help increase membership and reduce a decade-long parking shortage.
There are five cars located on the campus, two near the College Park Metro station and now two across from City Hall.
Also among local officials who came to the unveiling were District 3 County Councilman and former College Park City Councilman Eric Olson.
He said the new fleet, which has been operating downtown for the last few weeks for the first time, may help city development by bringing down the number of parking spots that need to be incorporated into building plans.
Flexcar officials said they did not have the number of registered students available, but estimated as many as 150 students have signed up through booths set up by DOTS this week and said that 25 registered on the spot last night. Students can also sign up online.
The city and Flexcar are in informal discussions about adding more cars in the city if currently available cars get enough use. Flexcar and the city did not want to disclose the potential spots in which the cars could be added.
