Detroit Evening Report: EV carsharing pilot project expands in Detroit

A pilot project aimed at increasing mobility options for those who can’t afford their own vehicle has expanded in the city of Detroit.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP) carshare program, facilitated by the nonprofit Forth, provides Detroiters the opportunity to rent an electric vehicle from three locations: River Crest Apartments, Eastside Community Network and Dreamtroit.

According to Forth’s website, the program is testing a model for offering affordable short-term use of electric vehicles to rural and historically underserved communities.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield says carshares are important for Detroiters, as many barriers to transportation in the city still exist.

“Whether it be the high cost of insurance, the issues that we are still facing with mass transit or public transit in the city of Detroit. And so it’s important to have options,” she said.

Residents who sign up for the service can rent out the cars for $5 per hour or $50 per day, with insurance included.

AMP currently operates in Detroit, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, with additional programs in Albuquerque, Portland and Seattle. The program is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology Office, according to Forth’s website.

For more information about the program, visit forthmobility.org.

Other headlines for Tuesday, July 2, 2024:

• Michigan Central Station and the Children’s Foundation are providing local nonprofits the opportunity to start $500,000 endowments.
• The Sphinx Organization is accepting applications for its Leaders in Excellence Arts and Diversity program through Oct. 20. The two-year program is designed to support Black and Latinx arts leaders both personally and professionally via mentorship, networking, and leadership retreats at top arts institutions throughout the country.
• Applications are also open for Sphinx’s annual competition offering classical musicians the chance to perform with the all Black and Latinx Sphinx Symphony and a chance to compete for $100,000 in prizes. Musicians can apply at sphinxmusic.org/sphinx-competition. 
• St. Ladislaus Parish in Hamtramck has closed its doors after serving the community since it’s founding 1920, WXYZ reports. The Archdiocese of Detroit says the church was closed for financial reasons. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.