Car Sharing

Car Sharing

Take Action: Let your elected officials know you want on-street designated parking spaces for car sharing vehicles near you!

In mixed-use, transit oriented areas, residents have many choices for getting around: walking, biking, subways, buses, and taxis, to name a few. Into this mix comes a revolutionary transportation option: car sharing. First introduced in Switzerland in 1987, car sharing offers urban dwellers the occasional use of a car without having to own one – an option that is particularly attractive for those who don’t depend on their car for getting to work every day.

The idea is catching on, and as it does, a positive smart growth cycle is reinforced: people move to walkable communities, in part, because they know they have transportation options. As they avail themselves of those transportation options – increasing demand for them – availability increases: more buses, more subway cars, more bike lanes – and in the case of car sharing, more cars in more locations. As car sharing becomes more attractive – reinforcing the idea that people don’t have to own a car – walkable neighborhoods entice even more residents to move in. Smart growth nirvana!

By the Numbers

A 2004 car sharing pilot program in Arlington, Virginia tells a compelling story. Participants who joined a car sharing program reported these amazing trends:

• 49% walk more often
• 54% use transit more often
• 68% postponed buying another car
• 50% made fewer trips by auto
• 25% were able to sell their car
• 70% save money on transportation!

In the DC Region

Here in the Washington, DC region we’re fortunate to have two car sharing companies, Zipcar and Flexcar. Both offer similar programs: become a member, receive an electronic access card, reserve a car online or by phone, and you’re ready to roll. The key is in the car – just walk up, waive your electronic entry card across the censor, and off you go. When you need gas, there’s a credit card above the driver’s side visor just waiting for you. Gas and insurance are both included.

Selling your car may be a big leap for you – but do you really need a car 24/7? Not likely. In truth, you need a car only when you need to go somewhere. The rest of the time it’s just sitting there. Taking up space. Costing you money.

Car sharing broadens your transportation options by freeing up your transportation budget. When driving a car is really the best way to go – and sometimes it is – you’ve got access to wheels. But wouldn’t it be great if you had more money in your pocket to choose the transportation option that really best suits your trip? Going to New York for the weekend? Take the train and relax on the ride up. Going to the Mall to see a new exhibit? Take the bus and forget about having to park. Catching a new play on 14th Street? Hail a cab and get dropped off at the door. With car sharing, your transportation dollars are no longer tied up in one transportation mode: your car. Suddenly you’re in control, with lots more choices.

How much can you save? A lot. In 2004, AAA estimated the average annual cost of driving a new car at $8,431. That’s over $23 a day – everyday, whether you’re using your car or not. When you own a car, you can try to save money by driving less, but you pay for insurance, taxes, upkeep, and depreciation regardless of how much your drive. With car sharing, you only pay for the time you drive. Drive less? You pay less. What a concept!

Business to Business

Car sharing is changing the way businesses manage transportation, too. Corporate fleets are being replaced with car sharing vehicles, offering more flexibility for workers and cost savings for the companies. Workers can take cars to meetings on the company’s dime, or check one out to run to the doctor on their own.

Learn More

To learn more about car sharing, visit Zipcar, Flexcar, Arlington’s Commuter Page, the District Department of Transportation, and the Car Sharing Network. Join the more than 60,000 car sharing members in cities around the world who have discovered the freedom and savings car sharing offers. Join the car sharing revolution!

More on Transportation:
Contacts

More Information:
"Commuter Choice" (Sierra Club)
Demand For Increase in Transit
"Expanding & Improving MetroRail & MetroBus" (Sierra Club)
"Making the Most of Metro" (WRN)
Metro Bus
Metro Rail Ridership