Living in Shaw with no car: Car Sharing
Sometimes you just need a car.There are two car sharing companies operating in the DC metro area, Zipcar and Flexcar. I can't speak about Zipcar as I am not a member and I don't use their cars. However I have been a Flexcar member for about 3 years and can talk about them from experience.
The reason why I joined Flexcar boiled down to this, Flexcar ain't afraid of the hood. At one point in the company's history it had 2 cars for Truxton Circle residents. One at Rhode Island and New Jersey and another at Florida and Q St., both at cheapo cash-only gas stations, that I figure kicked Flexcar to the curb so that now the closest Flexcar sits at 7th and R St at the Shaw/Howard metro station. The closest Zip car is over on 14th St.
I typically use the Flexcar car for trips to Home Depot to pick up dirt, or something that is too heavy or awkward for the bus. It is a 1.5 hour trip for me and at Flexcar's current rates that's about $13.50 which includes gas and insurance. The price may seem steep but compared to owning a car, especially at current gas prices, it is a deal. Other errands with the Flexcar have included grabbing the Greenbelt hybrid for trips to IKEA and Behnke's, the pickup truck at Columbia Heights for a furniture run, and the College Park car to harass friends and family.
I really miss the NJ and RI car. It served both Truxton and LeDroit park and it was just minutes from the house. Oh well.
As Flexcar doesn't have a monthly fee it works for me as there will be a month or so when I'm not using the car. I use it more when it is cold and waiting for the bus or biking is not an option. The other good thing is that there are cars at many of the metro stations around the District so it can be a decent supplement to one's metro trip.
If you have questions about Flexcar feel free to contact them at (202)296-1FLX (1359) or e-mail me (see right side panel).
Other Living in Shaw with no car posts:
Living in Shaw with no car: Walking
Living in Shaw with no car: Biking
Living in Shaw with no car: Metro
posted by Mari @ 18.4.05
2 Comments:
Well I've been a flexcar member in Shaw for about 4 years now. It really works for me, as I only need it about 2x per month. But we REALLY need to get more flexcars in the hood. On the weekends the cars are booking up in advance...and I don't plan well enough. Two more cars in the area would be great.
Flexcar used to have a vehicle at Florida and Q?! I know exactly which gas station you mean, since I live right near there.
A shame they're gone...that woulda been super convenient.
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