WeCar: Low-cost Short-term Car Rental for Commuters

The Prius is conveniently parked at 333 Evernia Street in the southeast corner of the parking garage.

The Prius is conveniently parked at 333 Evernia Street in the southeast corner of the parking garage.

If you take public transportation into the downtown area, wouldn’t it be convenient to have a car to use for those occasional errands we all have to run? The new WeCar program solves that problem.

WeCar was introduced as a partnership by the Florida Department of Transportation and the West Palm Beach Transportation Management Initiative (TMI). Members have access to a Toyota Prius parked at 333 Evernia Street in the southeast corner of the parking garage right next to the entrance.

The new service comes with an added incentive to people already using an alternative mode such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, bicycling or walking to work at least three days a week. These individuals can receive free membership for the first year and 10 free rental hours over the 12-month period. (Restrictions may apply.)

Here’s how WeCar works: After registering with a valid driver license and credit card, you’ll receive a WeCar membership card in the mail. The card is used to unlock/lock the car to begin/end the rental period.

The rental rate is $8 an hour, which includes fuel and collision insurance. After taxes and fees, a one-hour rental comes to $11.20, so you will definitely want to sign up for the 10 free rental hours.

Using this new service was very easy: Reserve a time online, hold your card over the windshield reader and the car unlocks. The ignition key is in the glove box. Complete directions are also located on the back of your membership card.

For more information on the WeCar short-term rental program, please go to http://www.1800234ride.com/section/WeCar/231/