Car-sharing service ReachNow ends its service

After more than three years, the car-sharing service ReachNow will end service effective immediately, the company announced Wednesday.

This comes as part of the merger of services between its parent company, BMW, and Daimiler, which operates car2go.

The company said the service was used by over 100,000 members in Seattle and Portland.

In the next few months, ReachNow said it would close down its Seattle and Portland offices. The company confirmed Wednesday that 50% of its staff was let go.

ReachNow said the decision does not affect car2go service.

The company has put together a Q&A for customers:

Is ReachNow shutting down?

Yes. As of today, ReachNow will cease operations of all of their mobility services in Seattle and Portland. The last day to use the service is today, but ReachNow will work with partners and Members that are in active rentals.

Why is this happening?

Last month, the joint venture underwent a realignment to further clarify the areas of focus for each vertical. CHARGE NOW and PARK NOW will join forces and REACH NOW and FREE NOW will work closer together. SHARE NOW will continue the successful merger of the car2go and DriveNow products. As part of this realignment, it was decided that REACH NOW would focus on the development of a multi-modal platform and cease operation of car and ride hailing services in North America. Ultimately, this was a strategic decision in order to sharpen the focus for the joint venture. It will allow REACH NOW to move faster and SHARE NOW (car2go and DriveNow) to be the sole operator of car sharing in the YOUR NOW family.

Why didn’t ReachNow merge with car2go or SHARE NOW?

From the beginning, ReachNow was to be a part of the multi-modal vertical due to our expertise in managing multiple services from a single fleet. While we planned to collaborate closely with SHARE NOW, they are and have always been a separate entity within the joint venture. With today’s news, this allows SHARE NOW to become the sole operator of car sharing within the YOUR NOW family.

I am in an active rental, will you shut me down?

No. End your trip as you would normally within the coverage area when you are finished with your trip. If you are outside the coverage area, our team will be in touch with you to understand your travel plans and work with you on the return.

I just signed up. Can I get a refund?

For any Member that signed up on or after June 1, 2019, we will refund the $15 sign-up fee. Our team will be in touch with you in the coming days about this.

Is car2go shutting down too?

No. This decision does not impact or affect car2go service.

Do I automatically get to use car2go since I was a ReachNow Member?

No, but if you are not already signed up for car2go, please do.

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