By Ken Storey
Back in May 2013, I mentioned that carshare was coming to Orlando. At that point, the city had yet to decide which company would provide the service. Zipcar seemed an obvious possible choice, with them already having a presence at a UCF station. Fast forward to early August, and the City of Orlando announces who they, and the Department of Transportation, are partnering with.
Hertz 24/7 will be launching at six downtown area locations by the end of October.
Each station will have two cars available for members. Membership is free, but does require an online application. Members are able to reserve a car via a mobile friendly app or on Hertz website. Most cars will cost around $10 per hour though rates will range from $8 to $20. The rates include all expenses such as gas, insurance, and car maintenance. Tolls are either billed directly to the renters credit card used to rent the car. The cars also come with in car 24/7 Customer Care that is connected via a button similar to OnStar. Most cars also come equipped with a Hertz branded GPS.
As of now, the carshare will require pick-up and drop-off at the same car rental kiosk, but Hertz is testing one way rentals at 75 locations in the New York City and DC area. Also keep in mind that the cars do not come with car seats but they are still required for children so make sure to bring your own.
Orlando will be the second major city in Florida, behind Miami, that has gone with Hertz 24/7. Hertz announced earlier this year that it will be moving its headquarters, and its 700 jobs there, to Lee County, Florida from New Jersey.
No word yet on who Winter Park will go with but keep in mind that the bedroom community of Orlando typically 'piggybacks' on contracts that Orlando spends much more time and money on than Winter Park would be able to.
Back in May 2013, I mentioned that carshare was coming to Orlando. At that point, the city had yet to decide which company would provide the service. Zipcar seemed an obvious possible choice, with them already having a presence at a UCF station. Fast forward to early August, and the City of Orlando announces who they, and the Department of Transportation, are partnering with.
Hertz 24/7 will be launching at six downtown area locations by the end of October.
Each station will have two cars available for members. Membership is free, but does require an online application. Members are able to reserve a car via a mobile friendly app or on Hertz website. Most cars will cost around $10 per hour though rates will range from $8 to $20. The rates include all expenses such as gas, insurance, and car maintenance. Tolls are either billed directly to the renters credit card used to rent the car. The cars also come with in car 24/7 Customer Care that is connected via a button similar to OnStar. Most cars also come equipped with a Hertz branded GPS.
As of now, the carshare will require pick-up and drop-off at the same car rental kiosk, but Hertz is testing one way rentals at 75 locations in the New York City and DC area. Also keep in mind that the cars do not come with car seats but they are still required for children so make sure to bring your own.
Orlando will be the second major city in Florida, behind Miami, that has gone with Hertz 24/7. Hertz announced earlier this year that it will be moving its headquarters, and its 700 jobs there, to Lee County, Florida from New Jersey.
No word yet on who Winter Park will go with but keep in mind that the bedroom community of Orlando typically 'piggybacks' on contracts that Orlando spends much more time and money on than Winter Park would be able to.
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| Image via City of Orlando May 20 Council Agenda Items C-10 |