Why Act?

If you need a car only occasionally for shopping, socializing, or business or if you can’t afford to buy a car of your own (or have your second car sitting in the driveway most of the time), you can take advantage of the Flexcar and Zipcar carsharing programs in Arlington. Carsharing is similar to car rental except that you can use the carsharing vehicle for as little as a half-hour and the cars are conveniently located in your community rather than at a central car rental location. In short, carsharing serves as a unique cross between a rental car and cab service. Flexcar and Zipcar both maintain cars in Arlington. Most are parked in Metro-accessible locations. Hourly and daily rates include gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking. And there is a wide selection of vehicles to choose from such as hybrid sedans, pickup trucks, and minivans. Zipcar has about 30 great vehicles in Arlington's urban villages.

Action Steps

1. Join a carsharing service (for a small annual fee); reserve cars online and drive when you need to.

2. Explore Craigslist rideshare options or Chevron's NuRide ridesharing challenge.

Time

It takes just a few minute to join one of the car share companies online or by phone. Within a couple weeks they send you a package with information and the membership card that you need to access the vehicles. Reservations take a couple of minutes each time you want to make a reservation.

Resources

Arlington’s Commuter Page

Craigslist Rideshare

NuRide

Zipcar or 1-866-4ZIPCAR