Verizon today announced that Verizon Auto Share, the carrier’s secure car share program, will be available by the end of 2014. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet.
The program will allow users to download a mobile application that can locate a vehicle and then scan a QR code to gain access and pay for rental. The carrier is planning on working with car rental companies, auto dealers and other companies.
After a user is logged in and has scanned the vehicle’s identification code, their smartphone will act as a key fob to lock/unlock and start the vehicle. Users will also get access to specials like in-car Wi-Fi and advanced fuel purchase.
For now the solution will only be available to enterprises but Verizon anticipates Auto Share will be available to the public in the near future. Verizon plans to offer the solution to municipal transit authorities.
“We believe that Verizon Auto Share can help reduce traffic congestion and related emissions while opening up parking spaces and enhancing transportation options making urban life more convenient for businesses and residents,” Mark Bartolomeo, head of Internet of Things and connected solutions at Verizon, said in a statement.
The service is carrier agnostic and provides encryption for information shared between enterprises and drivers.