On September 22, there is a global initiative called “Car-Free Day” that encourages drivers to try more environmentally-friendly modes of transportation such as mass transit, biking, scooters, and walking. Zipcar, the world’s top car-sharing company, conducted a survey that revealed how car-sharing in Washington D.C. helps the environment and society. Compared to private car owners, those who share a car in Washington significantly reduce the number of cars on the road, traffic congestion, parking competition, and carbon emissions. The survey showed that almost 30% of Zipcar members in Washington D.C. gave up their personal cars after joining Zipcar, leading to the elimination of around 8,000 vehicles from the city’s streets.
“As the cost of car ownership rises and parking becomes increasingly competitive in neighborhoods, Washingtonians 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 in DuPont Circle? No one!”
The Impact of Car Sharing in Washington D.C.
Zipcar was established in 2000 with the objective of promoting simple and responsible urban living by minimizing personal car ownership. Over the past two decades, Zipcar has been an advocate for sustainable transportation in Washington D.C. by supporting the city’s diverse communities and enhancing its livability. According to Zipcar’s latest North American Transportation Survey, car-sharing residents in Washington D.C. have a higher tendency to choose the appropriate mode of transportation (walking, biking, transit, car sharing) for their trips, which results in cost savings and promotes sustainable urban living compared to the average resident. Of note:
- Car sharers ditch personal vehicles and eliminate congestion on DC streets. Washington, D.C., has the twentieth most congested streets worldwide, according to INRIX. Those who share cars are not to blame for this unwanted title: 79% of Washington D.C. Zipcar members do not own a vehicle, and 50% postponed buying a vehicle due to Zipcar. If Zipcar were to leave Washington, D.C., members would purchase an estimated 12,000 vehicles or enough vehicles to line the roads from downtown to Frederick, MD.
- Washington D.C. Shared Fleet Frees Space Equivalent to Seventy Lincoln Memorials and more! Each Zipcar is estimated to replace up to 13 personally owned vehicles in Washington, D.C. With over 500 vehicles, including eco-friendly hybrids and electric vehicles, Zipcar enables over 1.6 million square feet of free space or the spatial equivalent of 49 miles of protected bike lanes, nineteen National Cathedrals, and two and a half Libraries of Congress!
Who are Washington D.C.’s car-sharing citizens?
- Car-sharing Washingtonians save $6,600 annually on transportation. According to AAA, the annual cost of new car ownership totals a record high of over $10,000. Washington D.C. Zipcar members spend far less annually on total transportation costs than the national average: a Zipcar member’s annual household transportation cost totals approximately $2,700, netting a 64% savings that can be used for housing, childcare or leisure, etc.
- Car Sharing is for all Washingtonians. Of its Washington D.C. membership base, 48% identify as BIPOC, 78% live in multi-family housing, and more than one-third have a household income lower than the national median income of $67,500. Sixty-seven percent of low-income residents reported improved quality of life because of access to Zipcar.
- Washington D.C. car sharers embrace the “car-free” lifestyle. Washingtonian Zipcar members report walking, riding bikes, taking mass transit and driving Zipcars only when truly needed, embracing environmentally friendly transportation options more than the average resident: approximately 200 walking trips annually, 28 biking trips annually (more than twice the average resident); and 140 transit trips annually (44% more than the average resident).
Zipcar offers a convenient, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to personal car ownership. With their 24/7 on-demand self-service access to vehicles, you can rent a car by the hour, day, or week. Zipcar has gas or electric charging, insurance options, maintenance, and dedicated parking included at their convenient urban, college, or business locations. You can become a member with a standard fee of $9 per month or $90 per year, and driving rates start at $12.50 per hour or $103 per day. For a limited time, you can get the first month of membership for free by using the code MONTHOFF. Visit zipcar.com to learn more.
