Arlington County Commits to Car-Sharing Program with Zipcar

Arlington County's Car-Sharing Pilot Becomes Permanent and Expands to Include New Zipcar Locations

ARLINGTON, Va., May 18 -- Zipcar, the nation's largest car- sharing service, today announced that it is expanding its joint "Car-Share Pilot Program" with Arlington County, making it a permanent transportation program. As part of the expansion, Zipcar is moving into four new neighborhoods as well as putting additional vehicles in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. To foster adoption of the service in these areas, Zipcar and Arlington County will cover all application and annual fees for the first year as well as include free driving credits for new individual and business members through July 18, 2005.

In addition to new cars in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor, Zipcar is also adding cars in Crystal City, Pentagon City, Shirlington, and Columbia Pike. The new Zipcar locations feature eight types of vehicles, including the energy-efficient gas-electric hybrid Toyota Prius, Tacoma Pick-up Trucks, and the popular MINI Cooper. Arlington Zipcar members also have access to more than 20+ different makes and models in Zipcar's fleet of more than 500 vehicles throughout metro Washington D.C., New York, and Boston, including passenger sedans, trucks, vans and even convertibles.

The expansion of the "Car-Share Pilot Program" is a part of Arlington's "Way To Go Arlington" initiative. Along with encouraging residents to use public transportation, walk, or ride bikes whenever possible, Arlington is welcoming car-sharing as an additional solution to decrease the number of cars on its streets. In 2004, Arlington County, in conjunction with Adam Millard Ball's transportation Research Board study and car-sharing members, conducted a survey to determine the impact of car-sharing on Arlington. Half of the respondents to the survey said they agreed or strongly agreed with the statements "I walk more often," and "Use public transit more often," while 70% agreed or strongly agreed that car-sharing, "Saves them money on transportation." The same study found that up to 70% of members have put off purchasing a first or second vehicle, and on average drive 3,850 miles less each year since joining the service.

"As Arlington continues its transition from a first generation suburb to a vibrant urban center, we have to provide people with attractive, environmentally sustainable travel options," said Dennis Leach, Director, Arlington Division of Transportation. "Car-sharing is a great option for us to invest in because it leads to a lasting change in behavior. During the Pilot's first year, many of our residents came to realize that they can survive without their own vehicle, and we believe that as more residents come to learn that car-sharing is a good choice for their community, the environment, and their pocket book, we can actually decrease the number of cars in Arlington while welcoming thousands of new residents to the community."

"At Zipcar, it is our primary mission to provide an easy-to-use, affordable, and fun alternative to car-ownership," said Gabe Klein, Regional VP of Zipcar. "Arlington and Arlington County Commuter Services are national leaders in progressive transportation strategies -- known for not just talking, but doing -- and we are thrilled that they have selected Zipcar as an integral part of the County's future."

Zipcar now has more than 36,000 members and more than 500 vehicles in more than seven states and 21 cities including metro New York City, Washington DC, and Boston. Zipcar provides individuals and businesses with self-service access to cars by the hour or day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rates start at $8.50 per hour and $59 per day. Gas, parking, insurance and XM Satellite Radio are included in all reservations.

For more information about this program, visit http://www.commuterpage.com/carshare.htm or http://www.zipcar.com/arlington/

About Zipcar: Zipcar was founded in 1999. Since 2000, when Zipcars first hit the road, more than 36,000 consumers and small business drivers ages 21+ have joined. Zipcar currently operates more than 500 vehicles in seven states and 21 cities, including Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C. For a convenient and cost effective driving experience or to learn more visit http://www.zipcar.com/.