The first question I asked Griff was how he thought the program was doing overall. He said that "the program was exceeding expectations" and gave me some numbers to back it up. He said that so far over 300 members have signed up for the program and that 5 residents have turned in their parking permits.
Here is one example of someone getting rid of their car and the decision making behind it by blogger Furey who has an piece on his decision on his blog Philly2Hoboken.com. He states:
"The second reason (for turning in his car) was the availability of corner cars via Connect by Hertz or Zip Car. Back when I first moved into town, I had multiple issues with the "old school" rental car system. But technology has made it so that if I need a car for a quick ride to the store or for golf range in Edgewater or a visit to the beach for the day - you can order a car on your computer and do everything yourself."
Here is the link to the article for reference: Sold My Car...and downsizing even more?
He continued to state that Hertz had expected a utilization rate of 5-10% in the first 3-6 months but that the Hoboken has a utilization rate of 20% already. A utilization rate of 20% means that any one car is being used 20% during a 24 hour period on average. I was also able to confirm that Hertz is paying $100 per month per spot.
I asked Griff Long about how many cars each spot should in theory take off the road. He stated that independent studies calculate that it can be anywhere from 10-20 cars so he used 15 cars as an average which is in line with what was communicated by City Hall and Director Ian Sacs. Currently the program has 40 cars being used and because it is a relatively small fleet Griff anticipates that usage will not be very seasonal although usage tends to spike in the summer.
I did bring up to Griff that some residents are not happy with the program and I noted that some of the spots were not "broom clean" since the street sweepers can't get at them. He said that he personally had not heard anything about that yet and I advised him to follow up. I also asked Griff if he had talked to any other blogs in Hoboken and he mentioned Hoboken 411. I told I find that interesting that Hoboken 411 had an interview with Hertz but all he can write about is how the spots are not clean. I also let him know that the traffic on that website is much larger than mine and he responded that his team is indeed watching the local media in Hoboken and is aware of the situation.
My remark: Hey at least we know where Perry Klaussen of Hoboken 411 is getting some of his traffic. Ha ha. His website has been against this program from day one, so whatever happened to Pro-business Perry's support of businesses trying to make a go of it in Hoboken? Or perhaps a political agenda is in the works? You the reader can decide on that as I leave it to you.
Looking forward Griff commented that after about one year he would like to see 40% or better yet 50% utilization which means that on average per day each car is out 1/2 the time or 12 hours or more for each and every car on each and every day. Every spot is currently being evaluated by Hertz to figure out what mix of cars is best based on preferences and usage. He said the program is flexible so if a location is not working it will eventually be changed. He stated that in his experience an urban car sharing program has never failed at Hertz. He said that Hertz is into providing "Total Mobility Solutions" and that it helps to be working with a supportive Administration like Hoboken currently has to help make the program a success. I mentioned the expansion of "The Hop" Bus service and he said that there is a synergy between other public transportation initiatives and usage of car sharing programs such as Hertz Connect.
What do you think about this program so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Here are some photos of the Hertz Connect program in action:
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| Toyota Prius so far has 50% utilization in the program. |
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| Utilization Example at 8th and Garden. The Jetta appears to be more popular than the Yaris at this spot. |
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| Another example of utilization. |
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| Holy double utilization Batman! These cars are being used! What a concept! |
