Residents of the Betty Ann Gardens Apartments in San Jose’s Berryessa district celebrated the launch of an innovative mobility hub, a milestone achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the Oakland-based nonprofit TransForm, and Envoy Technologies. This state-of-the-art facility aims to expand mobility options, lower transportation costs for lower-income renters, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote eco-friendly transportation alternatives such as walking, bicycling, and public transit.
A New Era of Electric Car Sharing
The Betty Ann Gardens mobility hub features electric cars and chargers that are available for community car share use. This initiative is part of the broader EV Car Sharing and Mobility Hubs in Affordable Housing pilot program by MTC and TransForm. Residents can also benefit from e-bikes, folding bicycles, secure bike parking, and a real-time transit information monitor. Additionally, residents receive credits for Lyft rides, ensuring easy access to essential services like grocery stores and medical care.
Funded by Clean Mobility Options Grant
The development of the San Jose mobility hub was made possible through a generous $3 million Clean Mobility Options grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), under the California Climate Investments initiative. This initiative leverages Cap-and-Trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster economic development, and promote public health, especially in disadvantaged communities.
“Mobility hubs make zero-emissions technology available so no one is left behind in a clean air future,” said Davina Hurt, California Air Resources Board Member and Chair of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. “By supporting innovative projects like this and making it easier for community members to access everyday needs, CARB is underscoring its commitment to equity, expanding access to zero-emissions transportation, and reducing key sources of pollution.”
Comprehensive Community Collaboration
The 76-unit Betty Ann Gardens, owned and managed by First Community Housing, a San Jose-based nonprofit, serves as a prime location for this groundbreaking project. Envoy provided two electric carshare vehicles, contributing to the broader goal of making sustainable transportation accessible to all. Other partners in the project include the City of San Jose, Sungenix Energy Solutions, KIGT, Actionfigure, and Community Cycles of California. These organizations contributed to the installation of EV chargers, real-time transit information displays, and bike repair workshops, respectively.
San Jose Mayor and MTC Commissioner Matt Mahan highlighted the economic benefits of mobility hubs. “Mobility hubs can provide upward economic mobility for our working families so they can get where they need to go in a climate-friendly way,” he said. “We’re going to need more innovative, equitable climate programs like this to meet our city’s 2030 goal of net neutrality.”
Expanding Across the Bay Area
MTC and TransForm have successfully opened other mobility hubs at Lion Creek Crossings in East Oakland and Richmond’s Nystrom neighborhood. Each hub is designed to meet the specific needs of lower-income residents, aiming to increase access to jobs, schools, parks, medical facilities, and grocery stores while reducing emissions and vehicle trips.
“Establishing mobility hubs at affordable housing communities is a smart way to promote equity and tackle the climate change challenge at the same time,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor and MTC Commissioner Cindy Chavez.
About Envoy Technologies
Envoy Technologies is committed to providing innovative shared electric mobility solutions. By partnering with community organizations and governmental bodies, Envoy aims to make zero-emission transportation accessible to everyone, fostering sustainable and equitable communities.
For more information about Envoy Technologies and our commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website or follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
For full details about the San Jose mobility hub: MTC Press Release
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