Oak Park Apartments Rolls Out I-Go Car Sharing Program

Those of us who live, work and drive in Oak Park know all about the hassles of owning a car in Oak Park.

If you're not lucky enough to own a garage, or rent a parking space, owning a car can be expensive—all those tickets!

Oak Park's largest renter, Oak Park Apartments, has rolled out a new program for those who need a car sometimes, but not enough to go through the hassle of owning one.

"In Oak Park, there is not much on-street parking and precious little off-street parking," said Bob Planek, co-owner of Oak Park Apartments. "This gives an option to those who need a car sometimes. It will be a convenience."

Two parking spots in Oak Park Apartment-owned buildings—one at 618 S. Austin Boulevard and the other at 38 Lake St. in Oak Park—are currently being rented to I-GO.

The Chicago-based nonprofit car sharing company will allow any of their members to rent the cars for a quick trip to the grocery store, or longer drives when you need to make them. All you need to do is make a reservation. I-Go offers options by the hour, or by the day. Tenants of Oak Park Apartments will get a special discount code they can use when they sign up for the program as an added incentive.

The four-door Toyota Prius models that are available at both locations get good gas mileage, Planek said, which will save residents some green while going green too.

Planek said the company would like to expand the program to more of the 30 buildings they currently own, but said they are waiting to see how well the test run goes first.

"At this point, it will be driven by demand," Planek said. "But I think it will be popular."

Planek pointed to tenants that use the area's public transportation systems to get to and from work, but might need a car for a weekend getaway, or a trip to the grocery store as those who would be most interested.

"I hope other building owners [in Oak Park] go ahead and get involved in this too," Planek said.

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