Zipcar Hosts First Annual "Innovation in Transportation" Fair

Public and Private Transportation Organizations from Around Metro Washington Showcase Alternatives to Car-Ownership

Washington D.C. (June 22, 2005) — Zipcar, the nation’s largest provider of self-service cars for use by the hour or day, is bringing together public and private transportation organizations from around Metro Washington D.C. for the first annual Innovation In Transportation Fair on June 23 from 3-7 PM on 8th St. between D and E Streets, NW. From the new DC Circulator Bus to the latest Segway Scooters to demonstrations from local transportation leaders, the event will provide local businesses and residents with a fun and exciting opportunity to learn more about cost-effective, viable transportation alternatives to car-ownership, and experience first-hand the newest and most innovative ways to get around.

Participants include Zipcar, WMATA/Metro, D.C. Department Of Transportation (DDOT), The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), Capital Segway, Vespa DC, The Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) and The American Lung Association. Each organization will have information available to educate attendees about their particular contributions to the DC area’s evolving transportation landscape. In addition, those in attendance will be treated to various fun and interactive displays including:

• Downtown Business Improvement District and DDOT will bring the new European-style DC Circulator Bus, which will soon be running an East-West loop between Georgetown and Downtown DC.
• WMATA/Metro will be on site to answer questions, and will be treating the kids to their “police robot”.
• Capital Segway will exhibit the latest in Segway Human Transporters.
• Vespa DC will display their new line of Vespa motor scooters.
• Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) and Bike the Sites will have bikes at the event to promote bicycling as an alternative way to get around town.
• Several Zipcars will be on hand to demonstrate award winning vehicle access technology and the new MINI Cooper Convertible and Toyota Hybrid technology.
  

Attendees of the fair will also have a chance to win free Zipcar memberships and free Zipcar driving time as an incentive to attend the event.

“Parking, traffic, and the environment are all concerns that are becoming increasingly important to leaders and residents in the District,” said Gabe Klein, regional vice president at Zipcar. “The District has an effective combination of public transportation and private companies like Zipcar that offer alternatives to car-ownership, and we are thrilled to bring them all together to show the residents of DC cleaner, cooler, and more community friendly ways to get around.”

"DDOT is proud to support innovative transportation reform through our bicycle, car-sharing and pedestrian programs, and the advent of the new DC Circulator. By considering alternative methods of transportation, we can help the District become a more mobile and environmentally-friendly city," said Dan Tangherlini, director of the District Department of Transportation.

Zipcar works to improve traffic, parking and environmental problems by reducing the number of cars on the road and by replacing older cars with new vehicles that have more stringent pollution controls. Zipcar members report that they drive 4,000 miles less each year, and save an average of $435 compared to the average cost of owning a car in the city. Additionally, each Zipcar takes more than 20 privately owned vehicles off of urban streets.

About Zipcar
Zipcar was founded in 1999. Since 2000, when Zipcars first hit the road, more than 38,000 consumers and small business drivers ages 21+ have joined. Zipcar currently operates more than 600 vehicles in seven states and 21 cities, including Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C. For a convenient and cost effective driving experience or to learn more visit www.zipcar.com.