PhillyCarShare recently announced the launch of a new program in Wilmington, Del. that will park hybrid vehicles downtown and a group of municipal staff will have access to the car sharing business, the company reports.

Through PhillyCarShare-Delaware, the select employees will turn in their city vehicles, then later this summer the cars will also be available to corporations, residents and students who join PhillyCarShare.

The company says that car sharing offers members the freedom of driving while eliminating the costs and hassles of ownership; drivers only pay for the time and mileage they use. Fees cover gas, insurance, maintenance and parking.

PhillyCarShare-Delaware’s mission is to reduce automobile dependence in Wilmington by providing the city an affordable and convenient alternative to car ownership. Reducing the number of cars in an urban area can improve the livability of a city, increase transit ridership, as well as promote walking and biking.

For more information, visit www.phillycarshare.org.