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February 16, 2005
Zippity-do-dah -- Car Sharing Service Reduces Number of Cars in Major Cities
Zipcar, a car-sharing rental company in over 20 U.S. cities, has released a study claiming their service helps take privately-owned vehicles off the road. The company's survey indicates that for every Zipcar introduced to a market, nearly 20 privately-owned vehicles are taken off the road.
The theory behind the company, that now seems to be working, is that urban dwellers really don't need to own their own vehicles and can more than get by if a convenient service like Zipcar is available.
The Zipcar service is tres cool. For $8.50 an hour or $59 a day, you get the use of a late model car [they have MINI, Prius, Tacoma], that you can "pick up" wherever the vehicle is parked.
That's right, no schlepping to a car rental place, often inconveniently located at an airport or in a shabby, industrial section of town. All you do is wave your "Zipcard" at the window and you're in. Yes, the keys are left in the car! Zipcars can be reserved online or by phone.
Among the study's findings:
-- While 43% of Zippies owned cars in the last five years, only 11% own one now.
-- Since becoming a Zippie, members now drive about a 1,000 miles a year, versus over 5,000 miles in their pre-Zippie days.
-- Zippies who've gone car-less report saving over $435 a month when compared to car ownership.
Posted by Frank at February 16, 2005 7:23 AM | Filed under Auto News