BMW isn’t just revolutionizing the automotive world with its vehicles because now the German automaker has launched a new car-sharing program called ReachNow that will offer big-city commuters exciting new options.
A fleet of 370 BMW-owned vehicles, including the i3, 3 Series, and Mini Cooper, has been spread about Seattle, Washington, for the free-floating program that will allow commuters to get a ride in just a couple of minutes.
While the Emerald City is the first metropolitan area BMW is infiltrating, there are plans to grow the ReachNow program to three more cities in 2016 and to service 10 North American cities when all is said and done.
Using the service is as easy as downloading the ReachNow app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, registering and completing a brief two-minute approval process. After approval, users simply locate the closest vehicle, reserve it, and then drive off.
ReachNow cars are available for 49 cents per minute while driving and 30 cents per minute while parked; however, parking is free and the driving rate is lower during its introductory period in Seattle. There is also a $39 registration fee.
In addition to car-sharing, ReachNow plans to offer a range of other services including delivery service, on-hand airport vehicles, corporate rates, chauffeur service, and even a future platform for owners to rent out their own rides via the ReachNow app.