Car sharing is a new test vehicle in San Jose, as the City continues to work towards reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. A recently approved plan calls for 20 Zipcars to operate in the city for the next 18 months.

Should the program be successful, it could be extended to include more vehicles over a longer-term.

According to the company, a single zip car can support 50 to 100 users, and often allows couples to abandon their second car – opting either for public transit or alternative modes of transportation to and from work. In the event a user needs a car, they are able to rent them by the hour. The company says that between parking, car payments, fuel, and other costs, Zipcar users can save $500 per month.

The 20 cars will be positioned throughout the City, and the Department of Transportation has already identified parking spots for 17 cars.

Read the full story at the San Jose Mercury News.