Getaround Salem

In its continuing efforts to increase access to reliable transportation and address issues related to traffic, pollution, and congestion, the City of Salem is partnering with Getaround, the world's leading digital car sharing marketplace, to launch Getaround Salem, an innovative new public car share service.

Getaround and the City of Salem are working together to add to the City’s existing efficient and reliable multimodal transportation system that accommodates all users – pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and drivers. Getaround Salem will provide access for Salem residents to safe, affordable, and convenient cars to use flexibly when and where they need them.

Getaround and its patented Connect technology will provide contactless 24/7 access to a fleet of nine hybrid all-wheel drive Ford Escape vehicles based at designated parking spaces across the city, without the need to wait in line or pick up keys. Residents can reserve the shared vehicles for as little as one hour, perfect for local trips like going to the grocery store or running errands. Getaround is one of the only peer-to-peer car sharing entities to allow guests to book a car on an hourly basis.

Users can locate and reserve the vehicles by downloading the Getaround mobile application on Apple and Android devices. Details about the service can also be found at www.salemma.gov/getaround. Rates for using the Getaround Salem service start at $10/hour but will vary depending on time of day, day of the week, duration of use, and how far in advance it is booked.

“Salem has been on the forefront of pioneering and piloting new ways to reduce the number of private passenger vehicles on our roads,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “This service will help address traffic congestion, as well as lessen our community’s carbon footprint and our contributions to the climate crisis. Getaround Salem will offer one more innovative tool to allow Salem residents to live in our city car-free or car-light.”

“Expanding Getaround’s services into the City of Salem is a major milestone for the company and for our vision of making cities and communities better places to live, by empowering people with convenient access to the cars they need, when they need them,” said Nick Tenekedes, VP of Marketplace, Getaround. “We look forward to partnering with the city and helping them achieve their mission to provide affordable and equitable transportation for all.”

“We’re excited to work with the city to provide an additional mobility option for community members that can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing congestion and improving air quality” said Adrienne Moretz, Government Partnerships Manager, Getaround. “This car share program will serve as a complement to other transportation modes in the city, making alternatives to driving alone an easy choice for all types of trips.”

The City of Salem offers a growing array of safe and accessible options for people to move around the city in whatever mode of transportation they choose. These services include the Bluebikes bike share, the Salem Skipper, MBTA bus and commuter rail service, free rides for Salem residents on the Salem Trolley in season, Salem Ferry service to and from Boston, and, now, the Getaround community car share.

Privately owned cars are typically parked 95% of the time and on the move only 6 hours per week. The remaining 162 hours of the week, most cars remained parked and idle. Peer-to-peer car sharing means fewer cars on the road and, on average, one car sharing vehicle replaces 9 to 13 vehicles. Thanks to car sharing, users are selling their vehicles or postponing the purchase of one and shifting away from the concept of car ownership. This ultimately results in fewer accidents, reduced traffic and pollution, and less space needed for parking. Beyond that, research has shown that peer-to-peer car sharing services, like Getaround, can significantly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG) and harmful substances into the environment. Salem is one of over 950 cities worldwide in which Getaround is active, though the first in which the program is being offered as a public service.

Community members and visitors can rent Getaround vehicles by the hour. Users can locate and reserve the vehicles by downloading the Getaround mobile application on Apple and Android devices. Until November 20th, Salem Community Carshare users can save on bookings through the Getaround platform. Use code SALEM20 for $20 off your first trip or code GA50SALEM for 50% off any trip (up to $40).

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