BOSTON -

Zipcar is adding nearly 50 Zipcar vehicles to designated on-street parking spots across the City of Brotherly Love, as it builds on its partnership with the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

This expansion supports the goals of the new Philadelphia Transit Plan, which include reducing reliance on personal vehicles and increasing access to equitable, affordable, and sustainable forms of transportation for residents of the city. Zipcar has provided Philadelphia members with access to a vehicle since 2007.  

Zipcar provides hundreds of vehicles across various Philadelphia neighborhoods, for pick-up and return.

“At Zipcar, we’re committed to making cities better places to live, and that starts with increasing access to smart, affordable mobility solutions that enhance how urban communities live and thrive,” Zipcar president Tracey Zhen said in a news release.

Zhen also said, “We are excited to partner with the city to provide the community with increased access to our Zipcar vehicles. We’re dedicated to helping residents get where they need to go with convenient, affordable and sustainable transportation.”

Zipcar said the partnership shows that it is committed to supporting the mobility needs of Philadelphians. The company sourced a 2020 survey of Philadelphia Zipcar members showing that 58% would like to see more vehicles parked on street. Seventy-three percent said it is more convenient and 58% said it makes vehicles easier to find.

The survey also showed that nearly 81% of Zipcar members do not own or lease a car. Nearly 42% say they have postponed buying or leasing a car because of their Zipcar membership.

Zipcar also sourced a University of California, Berkeley study showing that every Zipcar on the road eliminates the need for up to 13 personally owned vehicles.

"Car share reduced auto trips and parking demands in Philadelphia neighborhoods,” said Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability at the City of Philadelphia. “We are pleased that Zipcar has chosen to invest in Philadelphia and add to residents’ transportation choices.”

Philadelphia councilmember Jamie Gauthier, 3rd District, said car sharing like Zipcar can help expand access to car travel in an environmentally-friendly and equitable manner.

“I’m grateful that Zipcar is making this expansion a reality in our neighborhoods and supporting transit options here in the City of Philadelphia," Gauthier said.

Philadelphia Parking Authority executive director Scott Petri said the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Philadelphia’s residents and visitors.

“We fulfill this mission by working with our transportation partners to institute appropriate policies to decrease congestion, improve economic opportunity, and support the economic vitality of Philadelphia,” Petri said.

Zipcar said its vehicles can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days, for essential trips, travel beyond city limits, and visiting family and friends. A Zipcar membership includes gas, maintenance, insurance options, and up to 180 miles of driving per day.