There are ideas out there that sound terrible but are actually amazing, like pretzel M&Ms, acupuncture or "sexy" novels written by Mob Wives stars. And soon, NYC may be graced with another one of these quietly spectacular innovations—someone has proposed a street-side UMBRELLA SHARE program that would possibly eliminate wet umbrellas on the subway once and for all. Can we please have this nice thing, please?
The proposed program, dubbed "'brellaBox," suggests placing about 500 umbrella-depositing boxes around town. You'd be able to purchase a 12 hour rental for $2.50, or buy your own umbrella for $15, if you feel so inclined. The rentals can be returned to any of the other umbrella boxes in the city, a la Citi Bike, for instance, and the company is even considering offering a yearly membership that would eliminate any possible need to buy one of those dumb Duane Reade No. 5 things in a moment of desperation. If you inevitably leave your umbrella on the A train, at an aquarium or in the corner of Da Club, you will be charged a nominal fee.
The 'brellaBox seems like a dream come true to those of us who failed to purchase an Umbrella Coat Raincoat, but there are naysayers. Peggy Levee, owner of umbrella store Rain or Shine, says this share system is just for the lazies. "People think an umbrella is a disposable item or are more concerned with how lightweight or small it is rather than how durable and strong it’s going to be,” she told the Observer. “This is for somebody who just doesn’t want to be bothered carrying one.” Rain or Shine sells this very stylish $340 umbrella, which is the perfect price to pay for something you will lose in a cab.
If the fundraising Gods are on our side, we will get 'brellaBoxes by next spring.
