By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Following a successful pilot program, Tabor 100 has expanded its Car Sharing Program to serve all residents of King County, offering an affordable transportation option designed to increase access to reliable, sustainable vehicles.
Originally limited to Tabor 100 members, the initiative has grown to serve a broader segment of the community, giving residents and small business owners access to energy-efficient vehicles without the financial burden of ownership. Hernandez said the expansion reflects the program’s early success and growing demand.
“We currently have two energy-efficient vehicles that people can rent at a low cost. Business owners who don’t have a truck yet, or even if they need to travel far, it is a car share program that is affordable for all,” said Aleyda Hernandez, Tabor 100 Director of Project Management. “During the pilot, it was free to everybody as a member of Tabor. Once we saw how effective it was, we were able to open it up to everybody in King County.”
Hernandez said the program currently offers two vehicles, a Chevy Bolt and a Ford Lightning, with pricing structured to remain accessible across different types of users. Members can rent the Chevy Bolt for $8 per hour or $55 per day, while non-members pay $10 per hour or $70 per day. The Ford Lightning, which is designed for heavier use, ranges from $14 per hour or $100 per day for members to $20 per hour or $145 per day for non-members, with additional discounted rates available for tenant-members and nonprofit organizations.
Hernandez added that the rental process is designed to be simple and easy for users to navigate.
“For new users, they would apply on our website and upload their information such as their driver’s license,” Hernandez said. “Once that gets approved, then you select your rental. You can also call or come in person, but the cars are available 24/7.”
As the program continues to grow, Hernandez said the focus remains on increasing access to transportation for people who may not have reliable options, as well as those who need a specific type of vehicle for certain tasks.
“It helps people get around. Either those who don’t have the funding or [don’t have the right type of transportation needed for a task],” said Hernandez. “The intention is just to make [renting cars] more affordable.”
Hernandez said demand for the service has also shaped plans to expand the fleet, with additional vehicles expected in the coming months to better meet a wider range of needs.
“In the near future, we are looking to get another vehicle, hopefully within the next three months, and we are hoping it is going to be an SUV,” Hernandez said. “We want to have different cars to be able to serve different needs. We are also getting more charging stations, in hopes of getting two more to expand to a total of six stations where you can charge [these vehicles].”
Hernandez said early feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the convenience and cost savings as key benefits of the service.
“Everybody loves the facility. We have some members who drove far to Spokane and Portland, so you can imagine the charging stations are a lot cheaper than gas,” said Hernandez. “So, all of that, the facilitation of it, how easy you can just come get the keys or drop off, is something everyone has really enjoyed.”
Looking ahead, Hernandez said success will be measured not only by continued participation, but by how well the community becomes aware of the resource and takes advantage of what it offers.
“I think for a pilot program it was free, so it was something that we got the word out to members, but it would really be a success for us if we were to see the community be more aware of the program,” said Hernandez. “Because of the affordable rates, the simplicity of it, and just the things that they are able to do. We have a lot of people asking for grants to be able to afford a vehicle, and this is [another option] around that.”
