Detroit is taking a bold step into the future with the launch of the Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP) electric vehicle carshare, a trailblazing initiative right at the heart of the Eastside Community Network (ECN). This move isn’t just about adding new wheels on the block—it’s Detroit’s ticket into a national push led by the Department of Energy to rethink how we all get around. This is where technology meets tenacity.
One must wonder; ‘why is this important?’
It matters because transportation is the lifeline of any thriving city. When we talk about affordable and sustainable urban mobility, we’re discussing something that touches everyone’s lives—how we get to work, how our kids get to school, and how we access healthcare. It’s about making sure these everyday journeys don’t take a toll on our health or our wallets. Particularly in Detroit, where the legacy of economic disparity and industrial pollution runs deep, shifting towards cleaner, more accessible transport options is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
For the residents of Detroit, and particularly for its Black community, this shift means more than just convenience. It represents empowerment, health, and economic opportunity. It’s a chance to redefine the urban landscape to better serve its citizens, ensuring that progress in one part of the city is felt in all parts. For too long, the benefits of innovation have been unevenly distributed, but with initiatives like the Affordable Mobility Platform, Detroit is setting a standard for inclusivity. It contributes to reducing the environmental impact of traditional gas-powered vehicles, which disproportionately affects urban, lower-income communities through higher levels of air pollution and associated health problems. So, this isn’t just about who cares—it’s about who benefits. And in Detroit’s case, it’s everyone from the single parent needing reliable transport, to the elder looking for a quiet ride to the park, to the young professional aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Each electric mile driven is a step toward a healthier, more equitable Detroit.
The Eastside Community Network (ECN) has been instrumental in introducing initiatives like the Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP), which directly addresses these issues. By providing low-cost, accessible electric vehicle carsharing, ECN helps bridge the transportation gap that can hinder the full participation of Detroit’s Black residents in the city’s economic and social life. ECN’s efforts in establishing resilience hubs as part of the Resilient Eastside Initiative show a commitment to comprehensive community development that goes beyond mobility. These hubs serve as critical infrastructure during climate emergencies, further highlighting the interconnectedness of sustainability and accessibility. Moving forward, questions that need to be addressed include how these programs can be expanded and replicated throughout the city, and what additional resources are necessary to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness. In doing so, Detroit can set a precedent for how urban communities can innovate to meet the challenges of modern urban living, making it a crucial highlight for both local and national attention.
“ECN is proud to be a pillar for sustainability in our community and across the city,” said Donna Givens Davidson, CEO of Eastside Community Network. “We are happy to partner with Forth and Mobility Development for the establishment of the Affordable Mobility Platform in Detroit.”
The project kicked off with a community launch event at ECN’s headquarters, highlighting the arrival of two electric vehicles and charging stations. Designed as a membership-based service, the carshare allows users to rent vehicles at an affordable rate—just $5 per hour plus tax, with a one-time $10 registration fee via the MDO Carshare App, available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Forth’s partnership with ECN introduces a significant advancement in making clean transportation accessible. “We’re addressing a systemic problem by partnering with affordable housing developments and local partners such as ECN to pilot a model to benefit all communities. The AMP program will increase access to electric vehicles across Michigan for BIPOC and lower-income neighborhoods, which typically bear the brunt of transportation emissions, congestion, and noise pollution,” explained Connor Herman, Program Manager at Forth.
The carshare is not just about facilitating daily commutes; it’s also aligned with ECN’s broader sustainability efforts. These include the Resilient Eastside Initiative (REI), dedicated to helping East Side residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related challenges. This initiative is integral to establishing a network of resilience hubs across Detroit’s Eastside.
Additionally, ECN is rolling out Community Mobility Grants to boost local transportation options. These grants support the creation of mobility hubs that work in tandem with existing resilience hubs, enhancing accessibility and sustainability, and catering to a wide range of transportation needs, from daily errands to emergency situations.
The cars will be conveniently stationed at the rear entrance of the Stoudamire Wellness Hub during operational hours, perfect for running errands, grocery shopping, attending medical appointments, job interviews, and more.
As we look to the horizon, the journey’s just beginning. Forth and Mobility Development are set to roll out more community EV systems, starting with Dreamtroit and River Crest apartments. This move promises to weave eco-friendly transport into the fabric of Detroit’s neighborhoods. It’s about more than access; it’s about connecting every corner of the city to a greener, cleaner future. Detroit is not just on the move—it’s on the rise, driven by a commitment to ensure that every resident has a seat on the ride to sustainability.
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