After a year of uncertainty, Ithaca Carshare is back and ready to celebrate 16 years of community-minded transportation.
Ithaca, NY — In the U.S., turning sixteen might mean getting one’s first taste of automotive independence. But for local nonprofit Ithaca Carshare, it marks sixteen years of helping our members enjoy that independence without needing to own and maintain a personal vehicle.
Ithaca Carshare will be celebrating its 16th anniversary tonight, June 25, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Bernie Milton Pavilion in the Ithaca Commons. The festivities will include free, locally made cupcakes, a peek at one of our Electric Vehicles, and remarks by NYS Senator Lea Webb at 5:30pm.
The event is not just a celebration of Ithaca Carshare’s longevity, but also its return after hitting the brakes last May due to New York State auto insurance regulations. Cessation of service due to the legal challenges we faced stranded hundreds of our members who rely on Carshare to get to medical appointments, run critical errands, and maintain peace of mind when the buses aren’t running.
“Now that we’re back up and running,” Carshare Director Liz Field says, “We can focus on expanding our service area and replacing gas-fueled cars with all electric vehicles.”
In 2022, Ithaca Carshare won a grant to purchase 9 new EVs through NYSERDA’s Clean Transportation Electric Mobility Challenge.
“We’re so happy to be up and running again, thanks to the immense support our community showed during our unexpected pause,” Field says. “The influx of new members and the hundreds of those returning speak to how important this service is to Ithaca. We’re coming together on Tuesday to celebrate our wins and show Carshare off, more energized than ever.”
For those interested in learning more about Ithaca Carshare, staff will be at the event demonstrating usage and answering questions. Visit us at ithacacarshare.org and follow us on Instagram to learn more.