San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) has launched a new program that will allow member organizations, which can include cities, counties, and other public agencies in the region, to share passenger vehicles.

Called the “Peninsula Fleet Share Program,” this effort is an 18-month pilot project, funded with grant and matching funds, that aims to improve vehicle utilization for members.

According to SamTrans, organizations will be able to sign up for the service and then search for the types and sizes of vehicles that meet their needs through an online registry.

SamTrans said organizations that sign up to lend their vehicles can use the program to offset the costs of owning large shuttles and vans by renting them out. Organizations that join and rent vehicles can benefit from rates lower than commercial rental services, according to the organization.

SamTrans said new member organizations can sign up free of charge during the introductory period, which ends June 28. For more information, visit www.peninsulafleetshare.com.

This story originally ran in Government Fleet magazine.