How can we reduce congestion, emissions, our carbon footprint and retain finite natural resources? Are you a modern urban dweller who cares about his community and environment? Do you own a car or do you continue to aspire to the luxuries of modern personal transport? There is a solution: joining a car sharing club is a cool, affordable and environmental alternative to private car ownership.
Zipcar is the world?s largest and fastest growing car club with more than 250,000 members and 5,500 stylish vehicles located in dedicated branded bays across North America and in London for use by individuals, businesses and those on university campuses.
Top energy efficient and well designed models in the London-based fleet include the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid, 20% of the more than 200 cars, thereby ensuring members receive a sleek and low energy drive wherever they choose to go. Zipcar has been established in London for the past 19 months.
Paying out hefty wasteful sums of money just to drive is also a thing of the past. Rather than spend hundreds a month on car owner related costs, car sharing club members can simply join up for a small annual fee, then book and drive a car on demand at their leisure via the internet or their mobile phone 24/7, from £3.95 an hour or from £29 a day.
Zipcar?s easy-to-use leading edge technology and web-based reservation system make getting a car as easy as getting money from an ATM. Cars can be reserved any time from one minute to up to a year in advance, and each member’s proprietary Zipcard ensures that their reservation is secure.
Each Zipcar reservation includes assigned parking, maintenance, the London congestion charge, full MOT, insurance, fuel and gives 60 free miles. Zipcar members report saving around £450 a month on car related costs.
Furthermore, Zipcar is committed to improving the quality of urban life and is an integral part of the urban transportation mix, complementing means of public transport and healthy living options. More than 1.5 million Londoners now have access to a Zipcar within ten minutes walk.
Carlo Colajori, MD of independent Italian wine merchant, Tuttialia, said: ‘I started Tuttitalia deliveries by bicycle. I have first-hand experience of managing a green fleet of electric vehicles in London which influenced my thinking about how I can best travel around this city and service my broad network of customers.
‘I am passionate about creating the Tuttitalia brand, just as my customers are passionate and knowledgeable about fine wine. Zipcar green ethos and simplicity are key in helping me to achieve my environmental and business goals.’
According to a recent company survey, drivers who use Zipcar as an alternative to owning a car ultimately spend less time behind the wheel. In many cases members have surrendered ownership of their vehicles, or halted a purchasing decision. The survey also indicated that each Zipcar introduced into local communities takes more than 20 vehicles off the road decreasing congestion, emissions and parking demand. Since it began eight years ago, Zipcar has taken more than 100,000 vehicles off the roads.
Whether Zipcar is used in the city to collect groceries or friends just once a week or perhaps conduct out of town visits twice a month, it makes driving a low cost and sustainable alternative.
For more information please go to www.zipcar.co.uk
Many European and North American communities run car sharing schemes. If there is no Zipcar near you, you might find other offers.
And don?t forget, there is always the option to walk, cycle or to use public transport.
Text provided by Zipcar in London