Summer 2025 Pricing Update

Hello, 

As a mission-based nonprofit organization, HOURCAR strives to provide its services to the community, including the HOURCAR round-trip service and Evie Carshare, as affordably as possible. This year, we have seen explosive growth in our costs to maintain, repair, and insure our vehicles, unlike anything we have experienced in years past.     

We have been affected by termination and cancellation of federal grant programs that we had already been awarded, and grant opportunities that we intended to apply for were no longer able to offer funding as planned. In addition to these blows to our budget, our auto insurance costs more than doubled at our recent renewal due to macroeconomic factors in the auto insurance market and the high repair costs associated with carshare vehicles.  

To absorb some of these unexpected costs, we have made internal changes in staffing and budget priorities. This is unfortunately not enough to close the gap in our budget, and we will have to pass some of these increased costs on to our members via pricing changes. 

We have implemented a $1 Start Trip Fee on all HOURCAR and Evie Carshare trips as of July 1st, and will be adjusting pricing on August 11th to the following rates.  

We understand that this is a large increase in prices, and this was a difficult decision for us to make as an organization. Providing transportation at affordable rates is one of our primary goals of service, and for years, we have been able to provide rates lower than any other carshare operator in the country. In our current situation, we are making pricing increases that put us closer in alignment with the rates of other carshare providers.  

We plan to be an ongoing presence in the Twin Cities transportation environment, and we believe that these price increases are part of what will allow us to continue to do so. We are also working with key partners and stakeholders to ensure their continued support of us.   

If HOURCAR and Evie Carshare have impacted your life in a positive way, you may consider contacting your local and state elected officials to tell them your story and emphasize the importance of their partnership. We are proud that the Evie Carshare fleet is the largest municipality owned and nonprofit operated electric carshare fleet in the country through their support!  

If you would like to assist HOURCAR at this moment, the best thing you can do is to continue to use our service for your transportation needs and spread the word to your friends and family. Your membership and usage are contribution enough, but if you are moved to give more support, you can find our GiveMN page here: HOURCAR | GiveMN 

[CLOSING SENTENCE – HELP]We appreciate your membership in HOURCAR and your support of our organization as we navigate these changes. 

Best, 

HOURCAR Member Services