LADOT and BlueLA Partner for Low-Income Electric Car Share

Today the city of Los Angeles and BlueLA launched a new program to provide electric-powered car-sharing for low income communities. This morning’s kick-off celebration was held on 7th Street in front of the MacArthur Park apartments, a transit-oriented affordable housing development.

Mayor Eric Garcetti, an avowed electric car fan, declared that this project demonstrates the city’s commitment to putting “equity at the heart of sustainability efforts.” State Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León praised the new program as an important part of state efforts to fight climate change. Without specifically naming U.S. President Donald Trump, de León passionately pledged that California is moving ahead combating climate change “with or without Washington,” that the state “believes in climate science and facts” and is committed to “defending family values” including keeping families together. Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, carrying his infant daughter in his arms, spoke on “democratizing technology” by bringing green projects into underserved neighborhoods.

L.A.’s new car-share program is operated by BlueLA, a subsidiary company whose parent operates all-electric car-share in Indianapolis, as well as in cities in Europe and Asia. L.A.’s new car-share operates point-to-point, similar to bike-share docking. At build-out, the program will include 100 all-electric vehicles located at 200 dedicated on-street spaces equipped with electric charging stations. The funding for the project includes a $1.7 million grant funded by cap-and-trade, plus about $400,000 funded by the L.A. Department of Water and Power.