By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Sitting right in front of the Brinton Clubhouse, in a reserved parking space, is a brand-new blue 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid car. And it’s a car that any  licensed driver at Maris Grove can use anytime they want.

As part of the regional PhillyCarShare program, residents and staff who are interested in using the wheels for a trip to the store, for an off-campus lunch date, or even for a day-long road trip can simply sign up, pay a small fee, and use the car.

For all the right reasons
“It’s a great idea—really convenient and easy,” Joe Peronace, who lives at Maris Grove and is a member of the Resident Advisory Council, says of the new program that came to Maris Grove last month.

Maureen Heckler, Maris Grove’s executive director, says the PhillyCarShare program is a way for the community to become more environmentally conscious, to reduce the number of extra cars at the community, and to allow all community members the freedom to travel on their own terms.

“When we first heard about the program, it was just something that made sense,” Heckler says. “It is making life for all of our residents and employees better. It’s all of the benefits of having a car with none of the headaches.”

A road map to simplicity
According to PhillyCarShare, the Maris Grove vehicle can be used for a rate of $6.90 to $8.90 per hour (depending on if it is a weekday or weekend) and also can be borrowed for an entire day for a low, flat rate. The rate includes gas, $1 million insurance coverage with no deductible, reserved parking at Maris  Grove, and 24-hour roadside assistance.

But perhaps the biggest advantage to the program is the cost savings.

Peronace currently owns a 1997 Lincoln and was in the market for a smaller, more economical car when the PhillyCarShare program came to campus. Peronace says that he is now considering ditching his own car completely.