On September 22nd, people around the world observe “Car-Free Day” to promote eco-friendly modes of transportation like biking, walking, scooters and public transit. Zipcar, a car-sharing company based in Boston, recently conducted a survey which revealed that Bostonians who share a car instead of owning one have a positive impact on the environment and the city’s social well-being. In Boston, 30% of Zipcar members have given up their personal vehicles after joining the service, leading to a reduction of approximately 16,000 cars on city roads. This helps reduce traffic congestion, parking difficulties and carbon emissions.
“As the cost of car ownership rises and parking becomes increasingly competitive in neighborhoods, especially with college students moving to town, Bostonians are looking to car sharing as a cost-effective and convenient way to drive a car when they need one,” said Angelo Adams, head of Zipcar. “A little-known byproduct of car sharing is that it eliminates personally owned vehicles from city streets, which reduces congestion, carbon emissions and competition for parking on the curb. Who wants the hassle of car payments and to circle the block around the Fenway neighborhood? No one!”
The Impact of Car Sharing on Boston
Zipcar, which was established in 2000, has a mission to promote uncomplicated and responsible urban living by reducing individual car ownership. For more than two decades, Zipcar has contributed to the diverse communities of Boston, improved city living, and supported environmentally-friendly transportation. According to the recent North American Transportation Survey conducted by Zipcar, Bostonians who use car-sharing services are intelligent and choose the most appropriate mode of transportation (walking, biking, public transportation, or car-sharing) for their trips. This saves them money and helps promote sustainable urban living, which is higher than the average resident’s rate. Of note:
- Car sharers eliminate congestion on Boston’s streets. Boston is one of the top four cities with the most congested roads worldwide, according to INRIX. Those who share cars are not to blame for this unwanted title: 81% of Boston Zipcar members do not own a vehicle, and 44% would buy a vehicle (10% would buy two or more) if Zipcar disappeared, releasing an estimated 31,000 vehicles (and their carbon emissions) onto Boston’s streets, roughly a parking lot the size of the entire Seaport District.
- Boston shared fleet frees space equivalent to 25 hometown ballparks and more! Each Zipcar is estimated to replace up to 13 vehicles in Boston. With a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles, including eco-friendly hybrids and electric vehicles, Zipcar enables over 3.2 million square feet of free space, or the spatial equivalent of 49 miles of protected bike lanes, 25 hometown ballparks, four professional basketball arenas, one and a half Boston Commons or half of the North End!
Who are Boston’s car-sharing citizens?
- Car sharing is for all Bostonians. Of its Boston membership base, 49% identify as BIPOC, 85% live in multi-family housing, and 48% have a household income lower than the national median income of $67,500.
- Boston car sharers embrace the “car-free” lifestyle. Boston Zipcar members report walking, riding bikes and taking mass transit and driving Zipcars only when truly needed, embracing environmentally-friendly transportation options more than the average resident: 214 walking trips annually (17% more than the average resident), 38 biking trips annually (twice as much as the average resident, 41% higher than New York members); and 141 transit trips annually (59% more than the average resident).
- Car sharing saves Bostonians approximately $8,000 annually. According to AAA, the annual cost of new car ownership totals a record high of over $10,000. Boston Zipcar members spend far less annually on total transportation costs than the national average. The average Boston resident’s annual household transportation cost totals $12,187. In contrast, a Zipcar member’s annual household transportation cost totals $3,478, netting more than 70% savings that can be used for housing, childcare or leisure, etc.
Zipcar offers a convenient and sustainable alternative to personal car ownership with 24/7 on-demand access to vehicles by the hour, day or week. Whether you need gas or electric charging, insurance options, maintenance or dedicated parking, Zipcar has got you covered. The standard membership fee is $9 per month or $90 per year, with driving rates that start from $12.50 per hour and $103 per day. As a limited time offer, you can enjoy your first month of membership for free using the code MONTHOFF. Visit zipcar.com to discover more.
