San Jose airport launches new carsharing option

A peer-to-peer rental platform is now available to provide additional transit options for passengers travelling through Silicon Valley’s major airport.

Called Getaround, it simplifies carsharing by using a cloud and in-car system to connect renters with nearby available vehicles. It allows users to bypass traditional rental processes and the need for physical interactions, waiting in line at a car rental facility, manually completing paperwork, or meeting anyone to collect or drop off car keys.

This service complements the airport’s existing carsharing offer, Turo, and means that owners can easily share their vehicles and renters can access cars upon arrival in a designated airport zone for peer-to-peer carsharing services.

“This aligns with our new brand identity that highlights the fact that [San José Mineta International airport] is the Bay Area’s most convenient airport,” an airport spokesperson told Cities Today. “Services like Getaround and Turo fill a gap between the traditional car rentals and public transport, offering a more personalised and efficient way to travel.”

The spokesperson added that since its launch at the airport, the Truro service has been popular among airport travellers and continues to grow year-over-year.

Carsharing vehicles are authorised to park in most public lots at the airport at the posted rates as well as a designated in-person exchange location near Terminal B.

“These accommodations are not expected to have a significant impact on parking lot capacities or roadway traffic,” added the spokesperson.

New Airport Director for San Jose airport

Mukesh (Mookie) Patel has been announced as the city’s new Director of Aviation at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC).

The Director of Aviation leads a department with an annual operating budget of US$176 million, a 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Programme of US$614 million, and more than 200 employees.

“Mookie has an extensive executive background with three decades of experience and is positioned well to lead the airport in the areas of rebuilding passenger and route traffic, navigating complex airport and airline partnerships, expertly managing resources and new revenues,… and maintaining the employee culture while keeping it aligned with our customer service initiatives,” said Jennifer Maguire, San Jose City Manager. “Mookie is also committed to maintaining SJC’s recent distinction as the best mid-size airport in the country.”

Most recently, Patel was the Business and Finance Chief Officer at Austin Bergstrom International Airport where he increased non-airline revenues by nine percent within three-years and facilitated investments to support the airport’s multi-billion-dollar investment plan.

Image: Alex Grichenko | Dreamstime.com