Questions About CuseCar?

Please see the Membership Manual for a complete Guide to Being a CuseCar Member!

What is car sharing? How is it different from other national car sharing programs or car rental?

CuseCar is a community-driven, car-sharing program designed to provide its members with multiple options for how they use and own vehicles. CuseCar is part of a growing network of community-based car-sharing organizations throughout the US with the mission to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) and provide driving choices. CuseCar differs from other models in that it is community motivated to enhance and broaden the existing transportation system. CuseCar is a not-for-profit community based organization – not a for-profit car rental business. Additionally, CuseCar only includes alternative fuel vehicles in its fleet with a commitment to sustainable green fuel options both now and in the future. As the technology continues to develop in the transportation industry, CuseCar will keep in step with every innovation to better serve its members.

CuseCar is a not-for-profit. What does that mean?

CuseCar is a community-based sustainability initiative that is committed to enhancing the existing transportation system while supporting the Syracuse and Onondaga County Go Green efforts. CuseCar’s mission and operations are developed in conjunction with key local organizations involved in the county’s transportation system; thus, CuseCar helps these organizations meet their goals and missions. As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit community-based organization, CuseCar passes on benefits to its sponsors and members that for-profit organizations cannot.

Why did you form CuseCar?

CuseCar is committed to practicing community sustainability – the economic, social, and environmental needs in our world have changed, right down to the way people think and act about driving, particularly in their attitudes about owning vehicles. CuseCar gives members the convenience of vehicle ownership – when they want it – without the need to own and maintain a vehicle – or a second vehicle.

How does CuseCar work?

CuseCar allows its members to access a network of vehicles located at strategic Origination Locations throughout Onondaga County, determined by community and membership needs. Members can schedule a vehicle by accessing the on-line reservations or calling to schedule a car. Each member is provided a training session on how to operate the vehicle and the on-line scheduling. Please see our How It Works section on the web site for more details. The supporting technology is fascinating and user friendly for everyone.

What makes CuseCar a good choice for me?

CuseCar is an excellent option to meet our changing times and 21st century transportation needs. CuseCar is a good choice if you a student who only needs a car occasionally – if you don’t want the expense of car ownership – if your family needs a second car once in a while – if parking is in short demand in your area – if you use the existing transportation systems and want another added choice – if you car pool and want the peace of mind of a vehicle close by in case of an emergency – CuseCar is a good choice for you in all elements of your daily life. Being part of the growing car share community is not just a good idea – it is a cool club to be part of this wave of the future.

What type of vehicles will CuseCar have in its fleet?

We are committed to fuel efficiency and vehicles with high mileage and low emissions. The current CuseCar fleet of hybrid vehicles offers the best of state-of-the art features. As the program advances, we anticipate advancing the technology used to power the cars – such as plug-and-play, natural gas, and bio-fuels. The cars are distinctive and display the CuseCar logo. What could be better than driving the newest technology and bettering the environment?!

How does CuseCar benefit the environment?

National surveys show that when people share cars, they reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by driving less, which reduces traffic congestion and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Add eco-friendly vehicles to the fleet and the benefits are compounded. It all adds up to Go Green!

How does CuseCar benefit the community?

CuseCar belongs to the community! It is designed by the community to meet our specific social and economic needs, while supporting our Go Green identity in the national arena. CuseCar is a healthy option for communities that want to reduce traffic/parking congestion, lower transportation costs for everyone and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and college campuses. CuseCar also has a network of Go-To Go Green sponsors and Destination Locations that network our community and highlight local places to eat, shop, and do business. But wait – that’s not all! CuseCar offers the Ambassador Member-to-Member Service to provide members with the ability to customize a tour of Syracuse and Onondaga County, help with grocery shopping, get to vital medical facilities, among other services.

Who is eligible to become a member?

If you are at least 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and have no serious moving violations, chances are you are eligible to become a CuseCar Member. We also have a program for qualified younger drivers between the ages of 18-20. Check our Membership section on the web site or call us directly to discuss your eligibility.

Questions About “The Rules”

Please see the Membership Manual for a complete Guide to Being a CuseCar Member!

Can you reserve a CuseCar for less than 24 hours?

Yes, the CuseCar may be reserved in increments as low as one hour. Check availability on the CuseCar web site for further information.

How far in advance do I need to reserve a CuseCar?

Members can currently reserve cars up to 15 minutes in advance and as far in the future as 3 months.

Can I pick up a CuseCar at one location and return it to a different location?

CuseCar is set up so that members pick up and return the car to its Origination Location at the end of each trip. Each car’s technology matches the reservation to its Origination Location. However, because CuseCar has expanded its business model to meet your needs, through our Valet or Ambassador Member-to-Member Services, you can call another qualified member to return the CuseCar to its Origination Location for you. See our Member Services for more details.

Are pets allowed in the CuseCars?

Some members are highly allergic to pet hair. For this reason, we require that pets must travel in pet carriers. Carrying a pet without a pet carrier is a Major Penalty and will have a Major Penalty fee assessed to the user.

Is smoking allowed in the CuseCars?

No! In our effort to provide cleaner air to our community members, we provide an entire fleet of smoke-free vehicles! Smoking in a vehicle will have a Major Penalty fee assessed to the user.

Am I responsible for cleaning the CuseCar?

Yes and no. We have a cleaning crew that details our vehicles on a regular basis but all members are responsible for leaving the car clean after use. So wipe up any spills, sweep out any debris and DO NOT leave any trash behind. If you are transporting a pet in a carrier, don’t forget to check for pet hair that may have gotten on the seat. Remember, you may be the next person to reserve this vehicle so keep it clean! If you leave the vehicle so dirty the next member can’t use it, our emergency vehicle cleaning will be conducted and a penalty will be incurred and billed to your account. If the vehicle is too dirty to drive when you pick it up, call us immediately and we’ll put you in another vehicle. The previous member could be fined and we will schedule an emergency cleaning.

Am I responsible for filling up the gas tank?

The cost of gas is included in your membership fees – you never pay directly for gas when driving a CuseCar! If the gas gauge drops to 1/4 of a tank while you are driving, it is your responsibility to fill the tank. Please use unleaded fuel, do not “top off” and only fill the tank if it is at 1/4 tank or less. A fuel card will be provided and can be found in the Key Pad located in the glove box of each vehicle. Please use the fuel card at any gas station. The instructions for using the fuel card are on the Key Pad. If the fuel card is missing, please contact us immediately. If a missing fuel card results in you having to use your own money to refuel the vehicle, please send us the receipt with your member number and we will reimburse your account.