CityFleet, the City of Portland’s fleet Division, launches a pilot project today to replace the downtown motor pool with Flexcar. The motor pool has kept a fleet of 20 vehicles available to City employee use. City employees will now reserve Flexcar vehicles online, and pick up the cars at a number of locations downtown.
The City of Portland has entered into a five-year sole-source contract, renewable annually, with national car-sharing leader Flexcar to provide transportation and motor pool services to city employees. A few city bureaus have used Flexcar as their means of transportation for the past year, providing data on availability and cost-savings. A year-long pilot program as the first segment of the contract will be used to further validate estimates of reduced city costs and improved environmental impact without sacrificing mobility for city employees.
“We have been looking at several alternatives that stretch tax-dollars without compromising customer service,” said Ron Bergman, Director of General Services. “Flexcar provided the City with a rental fee that was less than we needed to cover our costs of running the motor pool and has an excellent customer service record.”
The move to Flexcar is expected to save approximately 25% of the current motor pool annual operating, maintenance and fuel costs. The program will be monitored monthly to determine our actual savings.
“These are exactly the kinds of efficiencies we were looking for in the budget review,” stated Commissioner Sam Adams. “It appears that Flexcar can provide the same level of service as our own motor pool at a reduced cost. As we are facing reduced revenues, these efficiencies can make a real difference in our ability to deliver essential services to our citizens.”
City employees will individually register with Flexcar, and each Bureau will be billed directly for the use. Flexcars are available on a first-come, first-served basis to city employees. Many of the Flexcar vehicles are hybrids, which aligns well with the City’s existing sustainable development policies.
“The City of Portland is setting a wonderful example for other governments as well as private businesses and even individuals,” said Bill Scott, Flexcar’s Portland General Manager. “They are exercising fiscal responsibility, serving as stewards of the environment all while providing a valuable service to employees as well as the community at large. It is truly a win-win-win.”
Portland became the first city in the United States to offer this innovative service when CarSharing Portland launched in 1998. CarSharing Portland later merged with Flexcar, which now has operations in six major metropolitan areas and operating agreements and partnerships with municipalities, transportation agencies and governments across the United States. In 2003, the city issued a proclamation recognizing Portland as the Birthplace of US Carsharing.
A review of the program is expected throughout the first year to determine whether the City will remain with Flexcar to provide the downtown motor pool.
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