Pittsburgh Puts the Brakes on the High Cost of Car Ownership as Flexcar Drives into Downtown

With the Mayor behind the wheel, a Flexcar fleet of eco-friendly cars rolls into PPG Plaza Today

PITTSBURGH, May 1 -- A new convenient and cost-efficient transportation option for individuals and businesses rolls into Pittsburgh today with the launch of Flexcar, an innovative car-sharing service that has already revolutionized mobility in 11 other cities such as Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Michael Edwards, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, announced the official launch of car-sharing today at a press conference that was kicked off by the Honorable Mayor Luke Ravenstahl driving a Flexcar onto PPG Plaza.

Said Edwards, "Car-sharing represents a significant initiative for Downtown Pittsburgh. We are confident that it will enhance the overall experience of being downtown, not just for those who work here, but for people who call this neighborhood home and want the convenience of driving without the hassles of car ownership."

Vehicles are parked in conveniently located reserved parking spots throughout downtown. Members reserve a Flexcar online or via touchtone phone, use their Flexcard to open the doors, take their trip and then return the car to its parking spot at the end of the reservation. For as low as $10 per hour, members can have a car when they need one, paying only when they use it. The per-hour fee includes gas, insurance, 150 free miles per day, parking, maintenance and 24/7 emergency service.

The Flexcar car-sharing program will begin service in both Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland in May with an initial fleet of 20 fuel-efficient vehicles, which includes hybrids, pickups, minivans and sporty cars, including the MINI Cooper.

According to Edwards, Flexcar is an attractive option for anyone who lives or works in Downtown or Oakland. For people who live in these neighborhoods, Flexcar offers the convenience of the personal vehicle but at a fraction of the cost. For people who commute into these locations, Flexcar offers them the freedom to leave their cars at home, knowing that they have access to a car at the office without driving to work. This convenience allows workers and residents to eliminate costly monthly parking fees and use efficient public transportation.

"We believe that both Downtown Pittsburgh, as the economic center of Allegheny County, and Oakland, Pittsburgh's center for higher education, represent the sweet spots for car-sharing in the region," said Flexcar CEO Mark Norman. "We expect to grow our fleet and our member base rapidly as more people take advantage of the convenience and cost-savings of Flexcar."

Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland-based businesses can utilize Flexcar for meetings, site visits or other business-related trips. Flexcar Business Memberships include invoices that can be coded according to a company's internal cost tracking, making it simple to account for and expense employee transportation.

"America's Most Livable City continues to be the black and gold and green city," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. "As a national leader in the green movement, we have recognized the economic, environmental and lifestyle enhancements that car-sharing programs bring to our residents."

According to Flexcar, the environmental impact of car-sharing has proven to be positive as well. For every one Flexcar, 15 fewer vehicles are on the road, significantly decreasing congestion and carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition to convenience and environmental advantages, car-sharing programs support mass transit use, walking, biking and carpooling. This results in fewer cars on the road during peak congestion hours, while still offering commuters the access to a car if they need one during the day. In addition, Flexcar reports that the average American spends nearly $700 per month on private car ownership, while the average Flexcar member spends about $100.

For more information on Flexcar membership, visit http://www.flexcar.com/pit.

About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike. The PDP's strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy.

About Flexcar

Flexcar founded the U.S. car-sharing industry and now operates programs for tens of thousands of members in 12 metropolitan areas, covering more than 40 cities. By the hour or by the day, members can reserve and drive any of these cars whenever and wherever they need to, without filling out complicated paperwork or paying for insurance, gas or repairs. Flexcar Business Memberships enable companies to augment or replace their fleet with Flexcar vehicles. Flexcar's University programs enable campuses to address parking and mobility issues for faculty, staff and students. Flexcar's fleet includes environmentally-friendly hybrid sedans, utility vehicles (including pickups, minivans, and SUVs) and sporty cars (including MINIs, Miatas and Scion tCs). Flexcar is a portfolio company of Revolution Living, an operating unit of Steve Case's investment firm Revolution, LLC. More information on the company is available online at http://www.flexcar.com/.

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