Enterprise CarShare last week announced the launch of its services in Minneapolis. Beginning today, car-sharing vehicles will be available in downtown Minneapolis and the Uptown neighborhood.

According to the company, Enterprise plans to double the number of available vehicles and expand into St. Paul by the end of the year.

In the past two years, Minneapolis is the sixth new major market to offer Enterprise CarShare, says the company. Enterprise CarShare is now available on more than 75 university campuses and in more than 15 markets including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Chicago.

“As urbanization continues, car sharing plays an increasingly significant role in serving local transportation needs,” said Ryan Johnson, assistant vice president of Enterprise CarShare. “Enterprise CarShare will assist local commuters who are seeking a car-share option with up-to-date vehicles and first-rate customer service. Additionally, because our car-sharing services are backed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, we have access to newer, cleaner and well-maintained vehicles.”

In addition, for a limited time, Enterprise CarShare is offering to waive the application fee and one-year membership charge for any local members and discount hourly car-share rates to as low as $5 per hour, says the company. New members will also receive $15 in driving credits.

For more information, visit www.enterprisecarshare.com/minneapolis.