Carsharing (July/August 1999): Building on a successful pilot program to provide "station cars" at BART, drivers can now rent a shared car based at the Fremont BART station. Hertz is offering the cars for $300-$400 per month, depending on mileage, less than the estimated cost of ownership. Drivers use the car during the day, driving from BART to work and back, or at night, driving from BART to home and back in the morning. Station cars are guaranteed a convenient parking place at the BART station.
Location-Efficient Mortgage (July/August 1998): Home buyers who can give up a car because their new home will be close to transit may now use the money they will save to help them qualify for a bigger mortgage. With underwriting from Fannie Mae, the Location-Efficient Mortgage is available in the Bay Area for a limited time. Home-buyers make a 3% down payment and receive a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on a one-unit, owner-occupied house or condominium, and a subsidy good for 25% off the cost of a one-year transit pass.