With Strike Looming, Zipcar Offers Free Shuttle Service to All New Yorkers

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2005 -- New Yorkers always come together during difficult times, and as the City braces for a possible transit strike this Friday, two companies, Zipcar and the city's beloved H&H Bagels, are joining forces to help keep New Yorkers moving. On Friday, December 16th from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Zipcar, the city's largest provider of on-demand cars for use by the hour or the day, will provide a free, convenient shuttle service -- with cars personally driven by Zipcar employees. And, at the Upper East and Upper West Side pickup points, Zipcar members, residents and commuters will be able to keep toasty warm by waiting for the shuttle inside H&H Bagel locations.

The shuttles will be picking up and dropping off at the following locations:

  * Upper West Side -- H&H Bagels (80th & Broadway) to WTC
  * Upper East Side -- H&H Bagels (80th & 2nd Ave) to City Hall
  * Grand Central Station -- 42nd & Lexington to City Hall
  * Penn Station -- 31st and 7th Avenue to WTC

Zipcar will still offer free rides for the morning commute in the event there is no strike. The vehicles used for the free shuttle service will include several of Zipcar's more popular and practical makes and models, including Ford Escapes, Honda Elements and Toyota Siennas.

"New York City has one of the greatest public transportation systems in the country and Zipcar is the perfect complement, providing New Yorkers with the flexibility and convenience of having a car whenever they need one," said Julian Espiritu, Regional Vice President for Zipcar. "Like everyone in New York, we hope that a strike is averted, but if the MTA and TWU aren't able to come to terms, we want to do our part to help New Yorkers get to where they need to go."

Since 2000, when Zipcars first hit the road, over 50,000 consumers and business drivers ages 21+ have joined. Zipcar currently operates more than 900 vehicles in ten states including metropolitan New York, Boston, San Francisco and Washington, DC. With Zipcar's technology, accessing and using a Zipcar is as easy as getting cash from an ATM. In minutes or up to a year in advance, members can reserve Zipcars online or by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Zipcar members have automated access to Zipcars using a "Zipcard" to simply unlock the door and drive away. Rates start at $8.50 per hour and $65 per day, with gas, parking, insurance and XM Satellite Radio service included. Special business rates are also available for small to large-sized companies looking for a more convenient and cost-effective way of providing transportation for their employees.

For more information, visit http://www.zipcar.com/