HOBOKEN — Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D – Hoboken) announced on Wednesday his plan to introduce legislation which would exempt car-sharing organizations from the $5 state surcharge on vehicle rentals.
In June, Hoboken introduced the Corner Cars program, a private partnership with Hertz Connect designed to take 750 cars off the street in Hoboken. (See our story on the program here).
The program has been met with mixed reviews, as some business owners claim it is hurting their establishments because parking outside stores is now limited. However, at the Sept. 1 council meeting, the council voted to extend the Corner Cars program for 90 days.
Ramos said in a press release that he has been working on the bill in partnership with Mayor Dawn Zimmer.
“With this bill, we’re making clear that we support this program and want to see it succeed,” Ramos said in a press release. “Not just in Hoboken, but in communities throughout the state.”
The bill is scheduled to be introduced on Sept. 16. Once introduced, the bill will await further consideration by an Assembly committee.
“Car sharing also represents a more affordable alternative for low-income residents who need the mobility of a personal vehicle but lack the ability to own one,” Zimmer said in the release. “I thank Assemblyman Ramos for working to make these programs even more affordable.”