Free bikes, almost-free cars, and free WiFi in Paris.
Betrand Delanoe, Paris's openly-gay mayor, is turning out to be one of the most progressive in Europe. Last year, he introduced the hugely successful Velib bicycle program. And in January of this year, he announced plans for Automobile-en-Libre-Service or Voiturelib.Reelected in March, Delanoe wants to make 2,000 non-polluting electric cars available to rent for just a few euros an hour. Reservations aren't required. You just pick up a car and drop it anywhere in the city. Like the bicycle program, it's subsidized by advertising.
Since only 45% of Parisians own cars, the program aims to reduce congestion by making it possible for the other 55% to remain carless.
The city is also setting up 400 WiFi hotspots in municipal buildings, museums, parks, and gardens. Most should be operational by July 15, with another wave opening in September. For a complete list of hot spots, visit http://www.paris.fr/portail/Economie/Portal.lut?page_id=7822&document_type_id=4&document_id=29270&portlet_id=18027
Posted by Virginia Saunders on 04/05/2008 at 2:13 AM | Categories: France - Cool Service -
