With Car2Go, questions on private use of public space
What if your local car dealer closed its lots and chose to park its inventory on your street instead? What if rental car companies did the same? Better yet, what if all businesses, from bus companies to trucking operations, parked their vehicles on public roadways, rather than find off-street parking?
These are not hypothetical questions, at least in the case of new car share startup Car2Go. The company placed approximately 400 of its vehicles — which members can pay to access — on the streets of Brooklyn. Supporters herald a superior car sharing service where vehicles can be dropped off nearly anywhere. But critics point to a lack of oversight and adequate compensation to everyday residents.
“The company did not go through a process of being vetted by community boards, citizens or the city,” said Gil Cygler, founder and manager of Carpingo, a local car sharing service. “It has effectively taken away hundreds of parking spots from regular Brooklyn drivers for its business operation.”