The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Flexcar; A Convenient Solution to an Inconvenient Truth


PHOTO

WASHINGTON--While Congress debates the future policy solutions to climate change, members of Flexcar, the popular national car-sharing program, are making a positive impact in real time. In the last year, Flexcar members reduced vehicle miles traveled by 40 percent while driving environmentally friendly hybrids and other ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) and benefiting from Flexcar’s carbon-offset program, in place since 2003. By driving less and by using more environmentally-friendly vehicles, the company estimates its members decreased fuel consumption by approximately 640,000 gallons which equates to about 14 million pounds of carbon dioxide.

Flexcar’s service gives members convenient access to a car when they need one without having to own one. Vehicles are as prevalent as a coffee shop or ATM, and can be used for a low hourly rate (usually around $9) which includes gas, insurance, parking, maintenance, 150 free miles and 24/7 emergency service.

For those people looking for ways to do their part to help with climate change, Flexcar is not only an environmentally-friendly option, its also economically-friendly: the average American spends more than $600 per month on their car while the average Flexcar member spends about $100. Flexcar is so convenient that about 60 percent of its members report either selling a vehicle or avoiding buying a one.

“We are thrilled that environmental and congestion issues surrounding our dependence on the personal automobile has come to the forefront of political debate,” said Mark Norman, CEO of Flexcar. “While we support the increased CAFE standards and investment in fuels and alternative vehicles, we believe it is important to showcase the very real, and immediate impacts of car-sharing. Each day, we’re removing carbon from the air, cars from the roads and decreasing use of fuel. And at the same time, we’re decreasing the cost and hassle of personal transportation for tens of thousands of people.”

Flexcar’s car-sharing program is already exceeding the goals put forth in the Bush Administration’s plan.

CAFE Standards:

  • Proposed Plan: Reforming And Modernizing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards For Cars And Extending The Current Light Truck Rule.; Increase research for plug-in and hybrid vehicles.
  • Flexcar Program: Flexcar’s environmentally-friendly fleet already exceeds current national average CAFE standards by more than 10 miles per gallon (36.06 vs 24.85), and also exceeds the fuel efficiency of the average new vehicle. More than 30 percent of the fleet is hybrid vehicles and more than 80 percent of the fleet is certified ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle).

Reduced Carbon Dioxide Emissions:

  • Proposed Plan: Will Help Confront Climate Change By Stopping The Projected Growth Of Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Cars, Light Trucks, And SUVs Within 10 Years.
  • Flexcar Program: Car-sharing members, on average, reduce their vehicle miles traveled by 40 percent (Transportation Research Board Study). Applying this figure to actual Flexcar use in 2006, this reduced driving reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 14,000,000 pounds (7,000 tons). Simultaneously, the actual emissions were negated through Flexcar’s carbon offset partnerships. Since inception, Flexcar has reduced carbon emissions by hundreds of millions of pounds.

Congestion Relief:

  • Proposed Plan: Calls For The U.S. Department Of Transportation (DOT) To Work With States And Cities To Explore Ways To Reduce Traffic Congestion, Help Save Fuel, And Reduce Commute Times.
  • Flexcar Program: Flexcar’s award-winning car-sharing program has been found to increase transit ridership, walking, bike commuting and carpooling. This results in fewer cars on the road during peak congestion hours while still giving commuters access to a car if they need one during the day.

Flexcar’s service provides its members with on-demand access to a diverse fleet of low emission vehicles, including hybrids, sports cars, sedans, utility vehicles and minivans, conveniently located in eight metro areas across the country, including: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta and Gainsville (Fla.). Members reserve a vehicle online or via touchtone phone, use a Flexcard to open the doors, take their trip, then return the car at the end of the reservation. A single, simple hourly fee covers all gas, insurance, 150 free miles maintenance, parking and 24-7 emergency service. National studies have shown that each shared car placed in service removes up to 15 privately owned vehicles.

Flexcar will continue to expand its program across the United States in 2007 and beyond, expecting to double the number of cars in the fleet while adding new markets. An expanded Flexcar program will give hundreds of thousands of individuals access to an efficient and cost effective transportation alternative to help reduce our nation’s fuel consumption by 20 percent in the next decade.