Car2Go back in service after glitch

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin's Car2Go program came to a halt early Thursday morning. However, service was restored by about 4 p.m.

About 300 of the pint-sized vehicles were grounded because of a computer problem.

"I'm surprised. Happened to me last weekend too. I didn't realize it was a glitch. But, it seems to be repetitive," said Car2Go User Ryan Savage.

"I haven't had a car in over a year, so I walk pretty much everywhere anyway. But, when it starts to get this hot it's difficult to travel far on foot," said Car2Go User Leslie Taylor. "Kind of put a cramp in my day as far as running errands, but it's working now. It's going now."

For at least eight hours, Car2Go staff members tried to figure out the problem. KXAN was told that they were doing a system update early Thursday, about the same time the glitch occurred. For that amount of time, members who usually can just scan their smart card on special scanners on the front windshield, couldn't gain access. The problem was a communication breakdown between the main computer at Car2Go Headquarters and the cars itself.

The company that runs the program sent out an email to the 15,000 members who have access cards.

"As of this morning, a technical issue has caused a disruption in Austin Car2Go rentals. We are doing everything we can to quickly and effectively resolve the issue and get our vehicles back online and working properly," the message said.

The exact cause of the glitch was not disclosed to KXAN.

Member were told to look for updates via Twitter and Facebook .