Back in 2009, Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë had a novel idea: why not create an eco-friendly car sharing program that could lessen the city’s traffic, diminish CO2 emissions, discourage car ownership, and “spark a quiet transportation revolution” worldwide? After all, his Vélib' bike-share program was so successful that cities around the world have raced to copy it. Today his dream has come to fruition as Paris has rolled out the first of its new electric cars with the Autolib' program. Equipped with GPS, the cars were designed by the Italian firm that makes Ferraris.
Once you’ve registered with a driver’s license and credit card at the central Autolib’ office, you can pick up a car at any kiosk, take a spin around town, then return it to any other kiosk in the city. You’ll be able to sign up for daily, weekly or annual membership with prices starting at 10 euros. The goal is to have 5,000 of these chic “Bluecars” zipping around the city by 2013.
Image via The Guardian