Metro and Zipcar are working together to offer $25 in free driving if you sign up for both a new Metro SmarTrip card and a new Zipcar membership. Read the accompanying press release for more information.
It’s a great marketing idea to promote increased use of Metro and Zipcar and reduce dependence on privately-owned automobiles in the District.
I’ve been a member of Zipcar for the last nine months and I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I don’t own a car; all that hassle of auto maintenance, repair, gas, insurance, and parking are all gone with a simple $25 yearly membership fee (you’re automatically insured). Isn’t that just mindboggling in itself?
Then you pay $8.75 or more a hour for using a car. This system is effective because:
- You won’t waste time just driving around. You’ll get what needs to be done and return the car within the time you’ve reserved it for.
- You don’t pay for gas.
- You don’t pay for gas.
- You don’t pay for gas.
I’ve never once seriously wished I had a car when living in DC. It’s nice when I get to borrow a friend’s car for this and that, but when I listen to their parking fees, car inspection and registration, gas pumpin’, and auto repair horror stories, I always remind myself it’s so much better to not own a car at all. And if I need one…okay, Zipcar ready!
If you live and work in convenient areas within the District, and commute using public transportation or a bike, just join Zipcar for God’s sake. Get rid of your car already.
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WeekStart Roundup: The Tourist Post-Crunch Edition
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i’ll say. that sounds great. but you know… I don’t just stay in DC. I also go to baltimore, frederick, walkersville, germantown….i’m all over the place, so a zip car wouldn’t good for someone like me. But it does sound great for folks who live and work within the district. it makes perfect sense. after all why hassle with getting dc plates, register your car so you can park in your own neighborhood… it’s too much hassle!
Ok, here’s a few more facts about Zipcar that I had to share:
-Each Zipcar takes 20 personally-owned vehicles off the road.
-Members drove 5,295 miles/year prior to joining Zipcar. The average Zipcar member drives only 369 miles/year.
-Zipcar saved over 3 million gallons of crude oil from being consumed in 2004.
-Members of Zipcar report a 14% increase in public transit trips, 10% increase in bicycling trips, and 26% increase in -walking trips.
*cautiously* it sounds like a good environmental way to limit automobile use… cool. :) thanks for sharing Adam!
Zipcar is great! Sold my car because of it. And if you ever need a car for an extended period of time, you just pick up a rental from Budget, Avis, etc downtown and be on your way.