The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is looking to car sharing to help federal agencies reduce costs, improve efficiencies and optimize vehicle use. GSA manages more than 200,000 vehicles, one of the largest non-tactical federal fleets in the U.S. government.

Last week, the agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) for ideas from commercial vendors that could help the federal government incorporate car-sharing government-wide and reduce the federal fleet over time.

In addition, GSA will also launch a car-sharing pilot program in Washington, D.C., Boston, New York City and Chicago to explore best practices and test how the government can effectively integrate low-cost alternative transportation services. The ultimate goal is to help agencies find savings in their fleet program, says GSA.

According to GSA, car sharing would allow flexibility and access to vehicles for short-term use. Therefore, it would save federal agencies money by reducing the need to purchase new vehicles.

“Every day across America, families and businesses look for practical ways to save money,” says Dan Tangherlini, GSA administrator. “GSA is doing just that with this first-of-its-kind car-sharing program that drives down costs, increases efficiency and improves operations of the government fleet program.”

“We will be able to test whether it is more cost-effective and beneficial to use a car-sharing service in lieu of taxi cabs, renting, leasing and/or purchasing a vehicle,” says Tom Sharpe, GSA’s federal acquisition services commissioner.