Washington DC's Metro Adds Zipcar to Expand Innovative Car-Sharing Program

Commuters and Metro Riders to Have Convenient Access to BMWs, MINIS, Toyota Prius Hybrids, Scions, Pickup Trucks and More for Rent by the Hour or Day

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- Metro riders are about to get more Zip in their trip. Zipcar, the largest car-sharing company in the country, has announced a partnership with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) to make high-end, fun and practical vehicles available to personal drivers and businesses at Metrorail stations throughout Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Together with existing cars, Zipcar will offer nearly 50 vehicles available at or near 44 downtown and remote Metro station locations.

"We are thrilled that Metro has turned to Zipcar to expand its valuable car-sharing program for city residents without cars," said Gabe Klein, regional vice president for Zipcar in Washington, D.C. "2004 was the most successful year in our company's history, and we have expanded our local fleet to include a wide variety of vehicle choices, with more than 20 makes and models. With this partnership and our unprecedented level of vehicle choice and accessibility, we hope to encourage even more residents, businesses and visitors to turn to car-sharing as a cost-effective, convenient transportation alternative to owning a car or traditional car rental."

Metro launched its initial car-sharing program in December 2001 to expand transportation options for those without cars and significantly reduce traffic and parking congestion in and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Recent studies by Zipcar indicate that each Zipcar takes at least 7-10 privately owned vehicles off the road and Zipcar members report that they save over $435 per month when compared to the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle in an urban setting.

"WMATA is excited to partner with Zipcar. We feel its fleet mix and vehicle locations will enable more Metro customers to rely on our services because of the increased availability of cars and trucks for their occasional use," said Lora Byala, Program Manager for Regional Planning at WMATA. "We are confident their service will be well received as an extension to our public transportation system."

Since 2000, when Zipcars first hit the road, Zipcar has emerged as the largest car-sharing service in the United States with over 30,000 members and 400+ vehicles in over 7 states and 21 cities including Washington DC, New York City and metro Boston. Zipcar provides personal drivers and businesses with 24/7 self-service access to a full range of vehicles conveniently located around the city including over 20 different makes and models, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, BMW 325i, Scion's, Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks and standard sedans. Rates start at $8.50 per hour and $59 per day; gas, parking and insurance are included in all reservations. For more information about this Metro program or to discuss Zipcar's recent survey results, please contact Josh Gitelson at (781) 455-8250 or Josh.Gitelson@rfbinder.com.

About Zipcar

Zipcar was founded in 1999. Since 2000, when Zipcars first hit the road, over 30,000 consumers and small business drivers ages 21+ have joined. Zipcar currently operates more than 400 vehicles in seven states and 21 cities including Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C. For a convenient and cost effective car rental experience or to learn more, visit http://www.zipcar.com/.