Car2Go Should Go

When I initially heard of Car2Go my first thoughts were neat concept and great use of technology.  I also liked the idea of giving the public more affordable transportation options.  As I’ve become more educated about the company, my opposition to it has grown to the point that I now think Car2Go should go – go as in leave Torrance.

My biggest concern is the use of public property to gain a competitive advantage. I believe public property, especially here in Torrance, is extremely valuable and that each taxpayer has a stake in how that property is utilized. Selling a license to use public parking virtually without restrictions in residential areas for as little as $108 dollars is a devaluation of public property and opens the door for other corporations to take advantage of the same offer. According to Council meeting notes, Taxi companies pay $210K a year at as much as $35K per company to Torrance just for the right to utilize Torrance streets (not park). Allowing Car2Go such favorable terms to operate their service, while not affording other similar companies the same deal, exposes the city to costly lawsuits not in the best interest of the taxpayer.

If allowed to continue to operate, I believe it opens the door for other companies to utilize public parking in residential areas on the same terms.  Some residents may not be bothered by a Smart car parked in front of their house.  I wonder, however, if those same residents might be concerned about a U-Haul truck.  What about an Ice-Cream Truck, a Hot Dog Stand, or a Food Truck?

The Car2Go operation is also a fairly clear violation of City Ordinance 88.5.9 and I think allowing them to violate that ordinance for such a small price sets a bad precedent and again exposes the city to lawsuits.

The convenience of the Car2Go service already exists in the form of buses, Taxis, and other companies like Uber. You could make an argument it’s more affordable for some, but I think those savings would be minimal. An Uber from my house to my work in El Segundo, a ride that generally takes 30 minutes, is quoted by Uber at $13 – 18. A City bus, which I’ve taken many times, costs $1.50. Car2Go would be around $13.

In my mind, the possible cost savings to what will likely be a very, very small percentage of Torrance residents, is overshadowed by the concerns described above as well as the inconvenience many have expressed due to further reductions in available parking. The parking inconvenience is a real issue to me as evidenced by the many complaints received by City Staff, and the number of folks speaking out against it at public meetings and on social media.

The Car2Go issue needs to formally come before the City Council and the Council should decide whether to renew the business license instead of the deal being brokered behind closed doors by City Staff.  At the very least, I think the Council should consider having designated parking spots in the City similar to bus stops and that Car2Go should only be able to park in those spots and I think the City should negotiate a much better deal to the taxpayer for the license to use those designated spots.

Some might also find the link found here eerily similar describing the Car2Go experience in England. It didn’t seem to be very popular there.