Washington DC's Metro Expands Car Sharing Program

Zipcar More than Triples WMATA Fleet

WASHINGTON, DC (December 13, 2006) — After initial results show increased ridership and decreased car ownership, Zipcar, the world's largest car sharing service, today announced Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has extended its partnership to bring Zipcars to additional metro stations. With this announcement, Zipcar will more than triple its WMATA fleet to offer a total of 48 vehicles available at downtown and remote Metro station locations.

"The initial results of the partnership between Zipcar and WMATA have shown significant increases in ridership and decreases in private car ownership," said Regional VP of Zipcar's Washington DC operations, Matthew Malloy. "We are optimistic that by extending the partnership and bringing car sharing to more metro stations, we will allow even more District residents and businesses to live car-free."

Metro launched its initial car-sharing program in December 2001 to expand transportation options for those without cars and significantly reduce traffic and parking congestion in and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area. A joint survey conducted by WMATA and Zipcar showed that the program has become a real catalyst for change that has increased awareness and utilization of both alternative transportation options. In the survey, 59% said that Zipcars being placed at Metro stations was a key factor in their decision to join the program, 53% said that joining Zipcar has delayed their decision to buy a new car and members reported net increases of 32% Metro Rail use and 14% Metro Bus use.

Zipcar currently operates in London, England and 13 states and provinces in North America, serving more than 80,000 individual and business members with 2,500 vehicles. With more than 40% of members reporting that Zipcar led them to sell or put off purchasing a vehicle, Zipcar estimates that its service has eliminated more than 7,000 vehicles from the District's streets. Zipcar members also report that on average they drive more than 4,000 fewer miles each year and save more than $435 each month compared to when they owned a private vehicle.

About Zipcar

Zipcar is a leading urban lifestyle brand that provides an alternative to car ownership to more than 80,000 consumer and business drivers worldwide. By providing urbanites with hourly and daily access to cool, affordable and conveniently-located vehicles, Zipcar has grown to be the world's largest and fastest growing car sharing service, currently operating more than 2,500 vehicles in London and 13 North American states and provinces, including metropolitan New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Toronto and Washington, DC. With Zipcar's award-winning 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 any Zipcar across North America and the United Kingdom using a "Zipcard" to simply unlock the door and drive away.
For more information, visit www.zipcar.com.