Car Sharing Expands in DC Area

Ok, so the picture does not have to do with car sharing so much as car pooling ... but I thought it was funny anyways.

The Washington Post today covered a few tidbits about car sharing in the DC area...the major points:

--> Zip car is profitable in all its markets!

I found it odd that Flex Car was not though.

--> More and more businesses are using shared cars for their commercial needs rather than using personal cars or buying business cars

This is especially great for businesses in the city. Since parking is so scarce, many businesses would like to leave the spots for potential customers if they can.

--> D.C. and the Bay Area are the only two markets that have both Zip and Flex car there

I am surprised Boston is not on this list...although most people avoid driving in that city at all costs.

-->FlexCar this year started a partnership with University of Maryland to allow students under the normal required age of 21 rent cars.

This is an AWESOME idea. How many students actually use their cars all the time in school - most of the time they are parked in a giant parking lot unattended (also leading to more car/radio theft since it could be two weeks before the owner even notices ). Parking is a huge issue on many campuses for students, staff, and facultly alike - often competing for spaces through a whack political process. The increased availability of shared cars may also prompt faculty and staff to ponder taking the metro to work as well.

--> Both companies would like to add more cars in Adams Morgan, but the citizens there protest them taking up "free" parking spots that are for residents with reserved spots for a commercial business.

Point taken. I understand both sides of this argument.