I-GO car sharing expands to Lincoln Park
Inside Lincoln Park
December 15-21, 2004
I-GO partnered with State Sen. John Cullerton , State Rep. John Fritchey, Ald. Vi Daley (43rd) and the CTA in announcing the arrival today of its new navy blue Honda Civic LX in Lincoln Park. This Lincoln Park car is located on the 2500 block of N. Lincoln Ave. under the el at the intersection of Lincoln and Wrightwood avenues (next to the Salt & Pepper Diner). This is just a short walk from the Fullerton stop on the Red/ Brown/ Purple Lines or the Diversey stop on the Brown Line.
"It is truly heartening that our neighbors have taken to the I-GO concept so quickly. We are all very excited about the addition of another I-GO car to our community," said State Sen. Cullerton.
I-GO's newest parking space in Lincoln Park is part of a one year pilot program with the CTA that provides I-GO with access to parking spaces adjacent to or near public transportation. The new partnership is designed to make it easier for I-GO members who don't live within walking distance of an I-GO car to use public transportation to get to the nearest I-GO car.
"CTA is pleased to see another I-GO car become accessible to CTA bus and rail customers," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. "Combined with the convenience of public transit, car sharing provides an alternative to private car ownership and has the potential to attract more drivers to public transit use." As part of this innovative pilot program with the CTA, I-GO has also recently added cars at two other CTA locations: the Addison stop on the Red Line in Lake View and the Western stop on the Brown Line in Lincoln Square . And before the end of the year I-GO will be placing a car at the Damen stop on the Blue Line in Wicker Park.
I-GO rents fuel efficient, low emissions Honda Civic Sedans to its members in 30 minute increments for only $6 an hour and 50 cents a mile. Insurance, gas, and maintenance are included in the rental fee. The more than 800 members can reserve an I-GO car online or on the phone just minutes or days before they need a car. Members use I-GO cars on average between three and four times a month to do their grocery shopping, look for work, go to doctor appointments and for other errands and recreation.
I-GO was launched in 2002 as a pilot program by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) and the Chicago Department of Transportation to help alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution in the City of Chicago . Studies have shown that every car-share car on the road can replace six to eight privately owned vehicles. I-GO currently has 18 cars operating in 12 Chicago neighborhoods.
Chicago residents can learn more about I-GO, its new locations, and how to become a member by visiting igocars.org or by calling (773) 278-4800, ext. 227.
