Members of Albuquerque’s Public Service Company of New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment Clean Cities Coalition and Sol Housing celebrated the launch of an Affordable Mobility Platform and the first electric vehicle car share program in the state at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.
New Mexico was one of eight states selected for this platform and it’s based at the PAH! Hiland Plaza apartments at 5000 Central Ave. SE, a housing complex designed for the deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing communities.
“It combines some great things, sustainability and electric vehicles, but also a speciality ride share program for individuals who are suffering from visual and auditory disabilities,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.
Created by FORTH, the Affordable Mobility Platform is a nationwide car-sharing program that is placed at affordable housing locations. At the PAH! Hiland Plaza apartments, there are two electric vehicles charging stations with two electric vehicles available to the apartment’s residents and the public. After someone uses the vehicle, they return it to the charging station so it is available for the next user.
Julie Nelson, a resident at PAH! Hiland Plaza, who is hearing and sight impaired, said she’s excited for what this will do for the future.
“I have tried to work as hard as I can to better our earth and efforts with climate change initiatives,” Nelson said. “I know there might be bugs in the system but when you compare gas vehicles to electric ones, there really is no question. This is really the sign of the future and I hope this encourages other folks to buy electric vehicles.”
Albuquerque’s Sustainability Officer and Deputy Director of Policy, Ann Simon said this initiative’s innovative, technology driven and equitable approach helps achieve the city’s climate goals while also addressing social equity.