Assemblymen Ruben J. Ramos, Jr., and Ralph R. Caputo are sponsoring legislation to promote car-sharing initiatives by exempting the programs from the $5 state surcharge on vehicle rentals. “This is a new and innovative program that can bring savings to taxpayers and dramatically improve the quality of life for urban residents by reducing congestion, eliminating parking hassles and cutting pollution,” said Ramos (D-Hudson).  “Anything we can do to entice people to use services like this is a plus.”

A car-sharing organization offers members an alternative to car ownership by allowing members to schedule time to utilize vehicles from a fleet on an hourly basis.

The program began in Hoboken.

The Hoboken car sharing program – Corner Cars – is a public-private partnership though which car-sharing vehicles are distributed citywide at reserved on-street locations.  Started in June, 2010, the program has over 1,000 members. City officials estimate that the program will result in removing 750 cars from Hoboken streets.

Under the Ramos/Caputo legislation (A-3233) car-sharing organizations would be exempt from the $5 surcharge on New Jersey motor vehicle rentals put in place in 2002.

“With this legislation, we’re making it clear that we support this concept and want to see it succeed, not just in Hoboken, but in urban communities across the state,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “Car-sharing programs benefit everyone, especially low-income residents who might need the mobility a car provides but who do not have the means to purchase one outright.”

The measure was recently released by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee and heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration. TLS.