New Smart Card Program Aims to Reduce Dependence on Cars, Save Commuters Cash

Nov. 21, 2008

Story by Abigail Feil

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and I-GO, a non-profit car-sharing program, plan to unveil a new joint program in December that will make it more eco-friendly and less expensive for commuters to get access to cars when they need them, and public transportation the rest of the time.

The joint Smart Card program, which can be used both to access I-GO cars and on CTA transportation, was announced in the wake of the Chicago Climate Action Plan introduced by Mayor Richard Daley in September. The action plan is a road map for the city to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Chicago. There are five key strategies for change in Chicago in the plan, including recommendations focused on improved transit options, such as the car-sharing by  I-GO.

I-GO was formed in the 1990s and is affiliated with CNT Energy, a division of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, which conducted significant research for the Chicago Climate Action Plan. I-GO currently has approximately 11,000 members sharing 200 cars in 32 Chicago neighborhoods, Evanston and Oak Park, according to Richard Kosmacher, I-GO’s business development manager.

“Cars are seen as the enemy,” Kosmacher said. “This [program] changes that. We’re in the car business sending people to the CTA.”

Transportation emissions comprise 21 percent of harmful greenhouse gases released in the city, and are the second biggest category of concern for the city of Chicago, according to the Climate Action Plan.

“Climate change is real,” said Anne Evens, director of CNT Energy. “I think everyone has pretty much accepted that.”

The joint Smart Card will be available for Chicagoans who apply and are also eligible for an I-GO membership, according to Kosmacher. Members of I-GO who already have a Chicago Card aren’t eligible for the new program, he added. It can be used on CTA transportation and to access I-GO cars.

According to Kosmacher, I-GO is meant to be complimentary to public transportation, so by not owning a car, users could save an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 a year.

“Do you really need to own a car?” asked Kosmacher. “If you don’t need it for a commute, what do you really need it for? It’s a question for yourself to decide if this is for you.”

The Smart Card is a pilot program that will be evaluated after signing up its first 5,000 members, Kosmacher said, which they hope will be achieved in its first year of operation.

The card aims to “shift people away from owning a car,” said Kosmacher. “The goal is to save them money.”