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Car-share pitch from Sway and Ohio Wesleyan prompts discussion; committee raises cost and scale concerns
Summary
Ohio Wesleyan University presented a Sway EV car-share proposal for two vehicles and a charging station near the university/downtown. Staff noted vehicle and charger costs and program fees; committee members expressed reservations about city responsibility for charger installation costs and the service’s suitability for a small city area.
Ohio Wesleyan University presented a proposed car-share program using Sway Mobility electric vehicles with two cars and a charging station in a location near downtown and the university.
Staff outlined how the Sway program operates: app-based reservations, driver eligibility checks (starting at age 18 with minimum driving-history requirements), and an hourly rate presented to the committee of $10 per hour (includes electricity under Sway’s current pricing). Program operating costs were described as covering vehicle payments, insurance, cleaning, maintenance and hardware/software fees — staff cited a program-cost proxy of roughly $2,000 per month per vehicle to Sway for fleet operations; chargers are included in Sway’s fee, but electrical hookup and installation of the charger would be the responsibility of the city and Ohio Wesleyan.
Examples cited: the City and College of Wooster and Oberlin have run similar programs starting with two vehicles; Oberlin doubled its fleet after higher-than-expected demand. Supporters said the program could increase mobility for students, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and serve occasional staff needs. Some committee members questioned whether city funds or staff capacity should be committed to charger installation and whether two cars would materially change mobility within Delaware City’s roughly two-square-mile area. Several members expressed skepticism about the city taking on the installation cost at present.
Ending: No formal council action was taken. Staff will continue to evaluate the proposal and cost responsibilities; proponents and the university may return with refined cost estimates and site specifics.
