PhillyCarShare (PCS) has replaced 100 percent of its fleet with new cars, added more than 25 percent additional cars, and expanded to 23 new neighborhood locations since last August.

The new cars and expanded locations were introduced to PhillyCarShare to continue efforts to meet members’ ongoing needs.  With an emphasis on energy-efficiency, new vehicles include many alternative-fueled cars and hybrids, as well as specialty vehicles such as pick-up trucks, minivans and vehicles.  Expanded neighborhood locations provide PCS service to the broader community, including the first PhillyCarShare locations at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, at the non-profit People’s Emergency Center at 40th & Mt. Vernon, and at 46th & Baltimore. 

These additions are part of PhillyCarShare’s commitment to enhance customer service and offer sustainable transportation made when PCS was acquired by Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental brands.

The addition of vehicles and locations to the PhillyCarShare network makes mobility more convenient for members. For example, many consumers rely on mass transit or simply cannot afford to purchase or maintain a vehicle on their own. As a result, they often depend on a Virtual Car® concept such as car sharing, as a supplement during the week, on weekends and on special occasions.

Having a strong local neighborhood presence is consistent with Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s history and success. “The Enterprise network is unique in its neighborhood coverage as well as its ability to support local citizens, businesses and government offices with sustainable transportation options in thousands of communities as they develop long-term transportation plans and advocate for a more sustainable future,” said Lee Broughton, head of corporate sustainability for Enterprise Holdings. “PhillyCarShare is enhancing local mobility through this extensive vehicle network.”

To improve efficiencies and better serve its members, PhillyCarShare is also relocating its operations office in mid-January to 1226 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.  The new location, which is convenient to mass transit and walk-in customers, is consistent with the environmental commitment that is a hallmark of PhillyCarShare, as well as Enterprise.PhillyCarShare also continues to earn recognition for its sustainable impact on Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, most recently – The American Cancer Society’s “2011 Southeast Region Volunteer Award,” and Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) “Green Power: Turn It On!” Award.

American Cancer Society’s “Chairman’s Award”

PCSwas awarded the Chairman’s Award from the American Cancer Society for the success of PhillyPatientRide, a partnership between PCS and the American Cancer Society that provides transportation assistance to cancer patients going to and from treatment facilities.
In 2011, the program’s inaugural year, PhillyPatientRide provided more than 2,100 one-way rides for approximately 140 cancer patients in Philadelphia.
To date, nearly 160 volunteers have been trained as drivers in the program, and more than 400 people have inquired about future volunteer roles.

Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) “Green Power: Turn It On!” Award

PCSwas awarded PennFuture’s “Green Power Award” for promoting Pennsylvania’s clean-energy economy.  PCS was recognized as one of the largest car-sharing programs in North America, helping to reduce air pollution and gasoline use by taking cars off the road and by using hybrids.
PennFuture recognized PCS for its actions aimed at decreasing individual car ownership, reducing vehicle miles traveled, improving urban land use and development, and providing affordable access to vehicles for all constituencies in Philadelphia.