No gas in Oberlin car-sharing plan's tank

OBERLIN — City Council pumped the brakes Monday on a plan to provide electric cars that residents could rent on an hourly basis. A car-sharing deal with Sway Mobility of Shaker Heights is on hold until fall. Oberlin Council members shied away from signing it during the COVID-19 pandemic because residents haven't had much opportunity to weigh in. Climate change is the greatest threat humans have ever faced, said city Sustainability Coordinator Linda Arbogast, pitching the program. "The reality of climate change is that we have 10 years to be solidly on the path of carbon-free fuel sources," she said. Oberlin aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050. Providing two electric cars to the public would help meet that goal while giving residents another public transportation option, City Manager Rob Hillard said. "It not only provides for car share opportunities, but it also provides for revenue enhancements back to the city so we can continue to invest" in sustainable living, he said. By contracting with Sway, Oberlin would get two electric vehicles — Nissan Leafs or Chevy Bolts — a charging station, insurance coverage and maintenance. The cost would be $168,610. Residents would pay $8 per hour to use the service. The city would share some of that money. Councilman Ray English said questions still loomed large in his mind, though. At the top of the list is insurance. With a deductible of $2,500, the program would not be workable for anyone who does not have auto insurance, he said. "We are also doing this during a pandemic, when it is hard to engage the community, though I think that's something that's absolutely essential that we do," he said. Councilwoman Mary Price said most people she spoke with were overwhelmingly positive. However, she heard some concerns "primarily about the social justice aspect of this program," and said she did not fully understand those arguments. "I don't want it to get lost. I think it could be a really great thing for our community," she said. Calling in to Council's virtual meeting, resident John Peterson voiced support for the Sway Mobility deal. Car-sharing would allow people to get to doctor appointments and shopping when needed, which isn't always an option with buses. Another advantage, he said, is that Oberlin residents would get the opportunity to experience electric vehicles. Arbogast said she wasn't comfortable with electric cars until Oberlin Municipal Light and Power Director Doug McMillan tossed her the keys to his department's Leaf. Car-sharing won't be the only piece in solving the public transportation puzzle, she said. "We'll likely want to incentivize those who buy electric cars and improve our electric infrastructure" while expanding access to Lorain County Transit, Arbogast said. Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.