Car-Sharing Company Plans Nationwide Expansion

December 1, 2004

Zipcar, a car-sharing company located in seven states and 21 cities, announced plans in mid-November to become the first nationwide car-sharing service in the United States. Car-sharing services allow their members to use a variety of vehicles at hourly or daily rates. Although the main intent is to help people get by without owning a vehicle, car-sharing services also encourage greater use of transit services and provide alternatives to owning a large fuel-guzzling vehicle that may rarely be used for hauling large items. Zipcar offers 20 different makes and models, including the Toyota Prius. See the Zipcar press release.

Another car-sharing service that has seen rapid expansion recently is Flexcar. In the past year, the company has offered new car-sharing services in Denver and Vancouver while expanding its services in Los Angeles, Seattle, and the Washington, D.C., area. See the Flexcar press releases.

A number of communities are also running their own car-sharing services. To learn more about car sharing, and to find services in your area, see the Car Sharing Network.