National rental car operators Hertz, Avis, and Thrifty have all announced new exclusions to their Bay Area rental contracts – cars may not be driven within the Berkeley city limits.
“We usually have exclusions wherever safety is an issue,” said Hertz VP of Operations Carol Driver. “if you rent in San Diego, you cannot drive into Mexico. But this is the first time we’ve had to write an exclusion within the United States.”
Enterprise Fleet Manager Louis Osman gave several reasons for the withdrawal from Berkeley. “The roads are impassable. We’re not just losing cars to Berkeley’s unmaintained streets. Last week I lost three tow trucks. I had to rent a helicopter to extract the drivers.”
Theft is also an issue, Osman explained. “Even where the roads are OK, we’ve had catalytic converters hacked off, windows smashed, and even a carjacking from time to time. I’m from Mogadishu and it was never as bad as Berkeley.”
Stepping in to fill the transportation gap is Overland & 4×4 specialist Funki Adventures. According to a press release, the company will pursue multiple revenue streams by offering airport rentals as well as campers for authentic I-80 living. The company’s vehicles are certified to handle Berkeley’s most challenging streets with the exception of the eastbound stretch of University from the Marina.
Berkeley residents whose guests don’t care to ride in a 4×4 are advised to have guests forego conventional rental cars in favor of transit and sturdy hiking shoes. “You need serious ankle support to make it over the sidewalks around town,” says REI footwear specialist Hunter Dodds. “And even then, watch out when you step into the street. Some of those potholes are visible from space.”
PSA: pothole naming opportunities remain available throughout the city.