Metro Inks New Contract with Flexcar -- More Cars, More Locations

WASHINGTON--DC-based Flexcar today announced that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has signed a new contract with the company to significantly extend the partnership between the two organizations that began in 2001 -- bringing more car-sharing service to more Metro riders throughout the national capital region than ever before.

Flexcar was selected by Metro in 2001 to launch its car-sharing program. Since then, Flexcar has continued to expand the number of locations and types of vehicles. With now more than 200 vehicles, getting a Flexcar is more convenient to more people than ever. The vast majority of Flexcar vehicles are located within a 1/2 mile radius of more than 50 Metro stations. Flexcar has vehicles on all Metro rail lines (Red, Orange, Blue, Yellow & Green) and in the following jurisdictions (DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Arlington County, Alexandria County, Fairfax County).

In awarding the contract, Metro expressed excitement about the overall success of the car-sharing program and its ability to complement the transit system with a convenient alternative. With nearly three out of four Flexcar members reporting they use Metro in conjunction with Flexcar, the combination of both services means more convenience, cost savings and congestion relief for the region.

Flexcar’s award-winning service provides its members with on-demand access to a diverse fleet of low emission vehicles, including hybrids, sports cars, sedans, crossovers and minivans, conveniently located throughout the DC metro area. Members reserve a vehicle online or via touchtone phone, use a Flexcard to open the doors, take their trip, then return the car at the end of the reservation. A single, simple hourly fee covers all gas, insurance, mileage, maintenance, parking and 24-7 emergency service. National studies have shown that each shared car placed in service removes up to 15 privately owned vehicles.

“Metro deserves credit for not only bringing car-sharing to the region, but helping it to thrive,” said Ralph Burns, general manager of Flexcar’s DC region. “The ultimate convenience of having a car at or near a station makes it a no-brainer for people to choose Flexcar. Our partnership with Metro is a big reason why we keep seeing our membership increase.”

About Flexcar

Flexcar founded the U.S. car-sharing industry and now operates car-sharing programs for tens of thousand members in eight metropolitan areas, covering nearly 40 cities in seven 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 fleet includes environmentally-friendly hybrid sedans, utility vehicles, including pickups, minivans and sporty cars such as Mini Coopers, Miatas and Scion tCs. Flexcar is a portfolio company of Revolution Living, an operating unit of Steve Case’s investment firm Revolution, LLC.