Flexcar Challengers Find New Ways to Spend, and Make, Money From Not Using Their Autos

    WASHINGTON--Oct. 3, 2002--On Sept. 6, 12 D.C.-area citizens handed over their car keys to Flexcar, pledging to walk, ride Metro, bike and use Flexcar to get around town for an entire month.
    Three weeks into the Challenge, participants report finding new ways to make and spend money as a result of not needing their car.
    Flexcar's innovative program provides members with access to a fleet of 32 environmentally friendly vehicles, including gas-electric hybrids and light pickup trucks, located at or near Metro stations in Maryland, Virginia and the District. Members reserve the vehicles for hourly use with Flexcar covering the cost of the car, gas, parking, insurance, and maintenance. Members can pay an hourly or monthly rate for use of the vehicles.
    Overwhelmingly the participants have found that living without their car has been easier than they thought, and some have found the experience liberating, even profitable. One of the participants, Jennie Drimmer, noted "I received my monthly $75 check from the woman renting out the parking space in my building, which definitely makes living without a car even more lucrative."
    Another participant, Christina Mitchell used her savings on parking a little differently, saying "I used the money that I saved on parking this month to buy my mom a birthday gift...definitely a much better way to spend the money!"
    Another common thread of Flexcar use during the past week was for errands that involved a car or truck. Daniel Williams used Flexcar to go to Georgetown for "hip and trendy home decorations." Alexandra Mackie used Flexcar to pick up a used television she purchased from a woman in Virginia. Karin Sypura used one of Flexcar's pickup trucks to transport a shelving unit and a large piece of furniture in Leesburg.
    Martin Alaniz used Flexcar to go to an Orioles game at Camden Yard, noting it was more convenient and flexible than taking the MARC train.
    The Flexcar Challenge continues until Oct. 6. Updates, information and diary excerpts from participants are available on Flexcar's Website at www.flexcar.com.

    Flexcar

    Headquartered in Seattle, Flexcar now operates car-sharing programs for more than 7,000 members in more than a dozen cities and counties in 5 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 modern fleet includes sedans, gas-electric hybrids, electric cars and specialty vehicles including pickups and convertibles. Flexcar has established strategic partnerships with King County (Wash.) Metro Transit, Kitsap County (Wash.) Transit, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Parsons Transportation Group and American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

    Editor's Note: Correct spelling and punctuation is "Flexcar"; not FlexCar or Flex Car.