SAN FRANCISCO -- Hertz has opened its second "shared-car" facility at the Colma BART station in the San Francisco Bay area, providing local residents with a car-sharing rental program for a monthly fee.

The shared-car -- or station car -- concept involves the use of one vehicle to provide transportation between the BART station and nearby businesses during the day and then between the BART station and a commuter's home in the evening. The dual use of each vehicle allows each BART parking space to serve two vehicles and may eliminate the need for some families to own a second car, if it is used as a commuter vehicle.

"Hertz is pleased to expand its relationship with BART by providing a car-sharing program to residents within the local area," said Scott Sider, Hertz's division vice president for the Western region. "Since we opened our first shared-car location in Fremont, there has been a great deal of interest from commuters in our car-sharing services. As the level of interest continues to grow, we saw potential in opening our second BART location in Colma." The Colma BART program provides the following:

* 25 parking spaces at the Colma lot for subscribers

* Guaranteed parking near the station entrance for subscribers

* All cleaning, servicing and maintenance of the car, including gasoline refueling up to 1,000 miles per month.

* Larger vehicles are available for an additional charge.

* Traditional car rental service to non-subscribers at Hertz retail rates based on vehicle availability.

The monthly fee for the "corporate worksite user" is $305 for an electric Th!nk City vehicle and $330 for a compact car, such as a Ford Escort. For the "home end user," the monthly fee is $330 for an electric Th!nk City vehicle and $380 for a compact car.

For companies with multiple users, a "corporate use" rate of $430 per month for a compact car is available.

Insurance and additional coverage, including loss damage waiver and liability insurance for subscribers, is not included in the monthly user fee, but is available for an additional charge.