WMATA Renews Car-sharing Contract Marks 3rd Anniversary in the DC Metropolitan Area

WASHINGTON--Jan. 4, 2005--The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) has renewed its existing contract as well as executed a new contract with Flexcar to provide car-sharing services to its riders throughout its service area. Flexcar and Metro launched car-sharing in the DC metropolitan area three years ago last month.

Flexcar is the nation's oldest and largest provider of car-sharing programs, which allow members to instantly reserve a car online or via touchtone phone, take a trip, return the car and receive a bill at the end of the month. Flexible pricing plans let people pay by the hour or by the month. Gas, insurance, maintenance, 24-7 emergency support and a reserved parking spot are included in the fee.

Since partnering with Metro in December 2001, more than 6,000 members have joined. In addition, Flexcar has placed more than 100 cars at 71 locations including Metro "Kiss and Ride" lots, residential buildings, business offices and in local communities. Flexcar has a robust network of cars covering the entire Washington DC metropolitan area from Shady Grove to Huntington and from Vienna to New Carrollton.

"There's no doubt that Metro demands the highest level of service from its vendors in order to best serve its own customers," said Tim Vogel, Flexcar's regional general manager. "We are pleased that we have met their expectations and that our efforts have been recognized with yet another contract renewal."

"We are proud to have been able to bring car-sharing to the region," said Lora Byala of Metro. "In just three short years we have been able provide flexibility for thousands of our riders while at the same time having an environmental impact on the region. Flexcar has been a great partner and we look forward to continuing to work with them."

Numerous studies by Metro, Flexcar and other car-sharing providers report that a majority of members in car-sharing programs sell an existing vehicle or avoid buying a new vehicle. An overwhelming percentage report riding public transit, car or vanpooling, or walking more.

Businesses are also realizing the significant financial benefits of car-sharing versus fleet ownership, employee reimbursement or taxi/limousine service. Flexcar has seen substantial revenue growth in the past year from business customers, which include companies like Starbucks, CH2M Hill, National Geographic, and Parsons.

Following a successful European model, Flexcar launched its Seattle operations in 2000, and has since won numerous awards and commendations for its program that reduces congestion, air pollution and energy use, while increasing use of public transportation and contributing to sustainable communities. Used in conjunction with public transit, car/vanpools and walking/biking, car-sharing helps individuals meet their transportation needs in an economic and environmentally responsible manner, giving them the freedom of car ownership without the associated cost and hassles.

People interested in becoming members can join online at www.flexcar.com or call 202-296-1359 for more information.

Flexcar

Headquartered in Seattle, Flexcar now operates car-sharing programs for more than 25,000 members in more than a dozen cities and counties in 5 states and the District of Columbia. With flexible pricing plans, members can reserve and drive any of these cars whenever and wherever they need to, without filling out complicated paperwork, paying for insurance, gas or repairs. Flexcar Business Memberships enable companies to augment or replace their fleet with Flexcar vehicles. Flexcar's modern fleet includes sedans, gas-electric hybrids, electric cars and specialty vehicles including pickups and convertibles. Flexcar has established strategic partnerships with King County (Wash.) Metro Transit, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Parsons Transportation Group, Bristol Bay Native Corporation and American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

Editor's Note: Correct spelling and punctuation is "Flexcar"; not FlexCar, Flex-car, Flex Car or Flexicar.