Car2go, the world’s largest and fastest-growing free-floating carshare service, officially launched in Chicago today, marking the company’s 25th global city. Car2go is the first service of its kind to operate on the streets of Chicago, a city ideally suited for flexible one-way carshare. 

Car2go celebrated its Chicago launch today at Pioneer Court with a special performance by the Jesse White Tumblers. Joining in the celebration were Alderman Walter Burnett, Alderman Brian Hopkins, Jesse White, secretary of state of Illinois, various transportation officials, and other community leaders who expressed their excitement in unveiling this unique mobility option to city residents and visitors.

“This pilot program demonstrates Chicago’s commitment to transportation innovation and providing reliable ways to travel the city,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing car2go succeed and grow, offering a new transportation option in neighborhoods across Chicago.”

Beginning today, car2go will offer a fleet of 400 vehicles for rent, including smart fortwos and Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA vehicles, as part of the pilot program approved by City Council in March 2018. Car2go members can now enjoy the benefits of making one-way trips without having to pick-up or return car2go vehicles at fixed locations or return them at a designated time. In addition, insurance, fuel, maintenance and parking is all included in the service’s affordable rates.

Today Chicagoans join over three million car2go members in 24 other global cities already enjoying the many benefits of access to shared vehicles without the hassles and expense of city car ownership. Car2go provides numerous economic and environmental benefits to the cities in which it operates, with a recent U.C. Berkeley study highlighting how car2go helps mitigate traffic congestion by removing up to 11 privately owned vehicles per car2go from the road.

Related: Car2go to Launch in Chicago