Flexcar and Metro Add Gas/Electric Honda Civic Hybrids to DC-Area Car-Sharing Program
WASHINGTON--Jan. 31, 2003--With its partners Metro and Honda, Flexcar, the nation's largest provider of car-sharing services, today announced the addition of 10 brand new Honda Civic Hybrids to its DC-metro area fleet at a special event.President Bush's State of the Union pledge for cleaner air through funding the development of zero-emission vehicles has raised the profile of the importance of alternative fuel vehicles as well as other programs, like Flexcar and Metro's car-sharing program, which reduce emissions. The addition of these hybrid cars, which are powered by a combination of gas and electricity and dramatically reduce emissions and increase gas mileage, make an already environmentally friendly program even better.
Flexcar's innovative program provides DC-area members with access to a fleet of now more than 40 environmentally friendly vehicles, including gas-electric hybrids and light pickup trucks, at or near 24 Metro stations in the DC-area. 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.
Highlighted by the Sierra Club as one of 20 national programs that offer a solution to congestion and pollution ("Smart Choices, Less Traffic" July 2002), Flexcar reduces vehicle miles traveled, increases public transit ridership and has resulted in members either selling an existing car or avoiding buying one altogether. Combined with the Honda Civic Hybrids, the impact on the environment will be even more significant. According to the American Lung Association, a hybrid car like the new Honda Civic burns one-third less fuel than a comparable non-hybrid car. The Flexcar hybrids also emit significantly less pollution than conventional low emission vehicles -- resulting in 50 percent less carbon monoxide and 50 percent less nitrous oxide going into the air and creating smog.
Jim Graham, Ward 1 Councilmember and Chair of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said, "Metro is pleased to be able to offer these new hybrid vehicles. We know all too well the air quality and congestion challenges facing the region. We think the car-sharing program with hybrids is a great way to address both challenges at the same time."
The event, held at the Josephine Butler Parks Center, featured presentations from several leading environmental and civic organizations, including Nick Ramfos, Chief - Alternative Commute Programs, Metropolitan Washington DC Council of Governments Commuter Connections; and Pat Childers, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Environmental Protection Agency; and Scott Gerke, Manager of Federal Government Relations at American Honda Motor Company. Each offered a perspective on the importance of car-sharing, hybrid vehicles and public transportation in reducing harmful emissions in the region.
"We are truly honored to have Jim, Nick, Pat and Scott help us launch these environmentally-friendly vehicles," said Neil Peterson, Flexcar's president and CEO. "We've said all along that Flexcar is part of a mobility mosaic -- that it is best served when it is part of the overall urban transportation network. Walking, biking and Metro are all great ways to get around, but the truth is, sometimes you just need a car. We're thrilled to have such strong relationships with our partners."
The new Hybrids will be placed at the following locations:
In the District, cars will be located at or near Metro stations at:
| -- | Mt. Pleasant |
| -- | Farragut |
| -- | Dupont Circle |
| -- | National Cathedral |
In Maryland, cars will be located at or near Metro stations in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties:
-- Bethesda
-- The Blairs/Silver Spring (2 hybrids were already located
here)
-- Greenbelt
In Virginia, cars will be located at or near Metro stations in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax:
-- King Street
-- Court House
-- West Falls Church
Following a successful European model, Flexcar launched its Seattle operations in 2000, and has since won numerous awards and commendations for its program that reduces congestion, air pollution and energy use, while increasing use of public transportation and contributing to sustainable communities. Used in conjunction with public transit, car/vanpools and walking/biking, car-sharing helps individuals meet their transportation needs in an economic and environmentally responsible manner, giving them the freedom of car ownership.
Flexcar
Headquartered in Seattle, Flexcar now operates car-sharing programs for more than 9,000 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, Kitsap (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, Flexicar or Flex Car.