Riverside, CA – The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) received $1.8 million through the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) Voucher Pilot Program to launch a community-based carshare program in Corona, Moreno Valley, and the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley. This funding will bring 15 electric vehicles to the region, offering residents a low-cost transportation alternative that makes everyday travel easier and more affordable.
CMO is a statewide initiative that provides funding for zero-emission shared mobility options to under-resourced communities in California. CMO is available throughout California to all eligible disadvantaged and low-income communities and tribal governments, to increase access to safe, reliable, convenient and affordable transportation options.
The EVGIDE (Electric Vehicle Get in Drive Everywhere) Community Carshare program aims to remove transportation barriers for community residents by providing access to clean, reliable, shared-use vehicles at a fraction of the cost of owning or leasing a car. Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or commuting to work, this service will help residents save money while improving mobility.
“Transportation costs can be a major burden for families, especially in communities where public transit options are limited,” said WRCOG Chairwoman Brenda Dennstedt. “This program is about providing people with affordable, convenient access to transportation so they can get where they need to go without the financial strain of car payments, gas, and maintenance. We are incredibly grateful for this funding and excited to bring this resource to our residents.”
Beyond personal savings, the program is expected to boost local economies by improving access to employment opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to reach job sites. It will contribute to emissions reductions in areas that are disproportionately burdened by poor air quality, and will create new workforce opportunities related to vehicle maintenance, customer service, and program administration.
EVGIDE, Inc., which will implement the program in partnership with WRCOG, plans to establish charging locations in key areas across the four cities to support the new carshare fleet. The funding is part of a larger $33 million investment from CMO, which aims to provide clean, shared, zero-emission transportation solutions to under-resourced communities across California.
Over the next several months, WRCOG and its partners will be finalizing vehicle deployment plans, identifying carshare locations, and conducting outreach to ensure that residents know how to access and benefit from the service.
For more information on WRCOG’s community transportation programs and updates on the EVGIDE Community Carshare service, visit www.wrcog.us.
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