Zipcar and the Toronto Transit Commission Announce New Parking Partnership at TTC Commuter Parking Lots

TORONTO--May 6, 2011: Zipcar, Inc., the world's leading car sharing network, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) today announced an expanded partnership to place Zipcar vehicles in four TTC commuter parking lots throughout the city, giving Toronto residents and visitors greater access to cost-effective, efficient and reliable transportation alternatives.

"Public transportation and car sharing programs really go hand-in-hand as they both enable people to reduce their reliance on personally owned vehicles," said Karen Stintz, chair of the Toronto Transit Commission. "Offering the convenience of Zipcars at some of our busiest subway stations is a strategic move for the TTC as we continually seek to make the subway a more accessible and efficient system for Toronto commuters."

Marking the first reserved parking program of any kind at TTC commuter parking lots, eight Zipcar vehicles, in pods of two, will be located at the Leslie subway station, Wilson subway station, Eglinton West subway station and the Keele subway station.  Zipcar vehicles located at the stations will be available in a variety of makes and models, including Toyota Prius hybrids, Mazda 3 sedans and Toyota Tacoma pickups.

"One of our major goals is to provide greater access to Zipcar vehicles within a 10 minute walk from TTC subways, streetcars and buses, and this is a great step toward reaching that objective," said Michael Lende, general manager of Zipcar Toronto. "We are proud of our longstanding relationship with the TTC, and with Zipcars now located at TTC subway stations, Zipsters have even greater access to car sharing -- a proven cost-effective transportation option and part of a sustainable lifestyle, which complements the use of public transit."

In 2010, Zipcar joined the TTC's Metropass Hot Dealz program, giving TTC pass holders reduced fees on Zipcar membership and reservations.  As part of the program, TTC Metropass holders can join Zipcar for the special introductory annual membership rate of $30 with no application fee, available through August 4, 2011.  

Zipcar has been proven to take personally-owned cars off the road, and provides a viable alternative to car ownership, making it an important component of a sustainable transportation network in Toronto.  Studies show that every Zipcar takes at least 15 personally-owned vehicles off the road, helping to reduce congestion and CO2 emissions.  A recent Zipcar survey revealed that Zipcar members reported a 47 percent increase in the use of public transit after becoming members, 10 percent increase in cycling and 26 percent increase in walking.

An alternative to car ownership, Zipcars can be reserved on an hourly or daily basis with rates starting at $8.50. Gas, reserved parking spots, insurance, roadside assistance and up to 200 kilometers of driving per day are included in the hourly and daily Zipcar rates. Cars can be reserved for as short as an hour or for up to four days.