Carsharing Policy and Pilot Project, San Francisco, California, 2013

In July 2013, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) launched a two-year pilot program to allow carshare vehicles locate in regulated parking spots on city streets. The pilot builds on a small 12-parking-spot pilot that began in 2011. Prior to this program all carshare vehicles were housed in off-street locations, which can be expensive in San Francisco. To participate CarShare Organizations (CSOs) must meet the Transportation Code definition as, “(a) public, private, or non-profit entity that provides preapproved members access to a citywide network of at least ten (10) motor vehicles in the City and County of San Francisco.” Only traditional and peer-to-peer carsharing organizations may participate, not one-way carsharing. The second link to the San Francisco Transportation Code shows the codified regulations.

Parking permits must be approved by the SFMTA board of directors. As of January 2015, SFMTA has approved three CSOs and 450 parking spots have been requested out of 900 possible in the pilot.^[3] Permits cost an initial $400 each and $50 to $225 per month depending on location.^[4] Parking spots are indicated with signage and street markings as no stopping, tow away zones for non-carshare vehicles. CSOs are required to sweep the parking area (rather than move the vehicles for city street sweeping). The initial pilot found a high level of enforcement need on busy commercial streets, so residential streets are encouraged for this pilot. Outreach to neighboring residents and businesses is conducted to help reduce conflicts, but there has been debate about the program in the media.

The program was concluded as a pilot, and enacted as policy, in July 2017.