As reported by Zipcar
TORONTO, - Zipcar, Inc., the world's largest car-sharing service, and the City of Toronto will now provide city residents easier access to cost-effective, environmentally friendly transportation options by parking Zipcars on select city streets. A Toyota Matrix Zipcar named "Macall", the first of 11 total dedicated Zipcars to be parked across the city, is now available at the intersection of Harrison Garden Boulevard and Humberstone Drive.
"The City's partnership with Zipcar makes it easier for people who live and work in our city to get around without owning a car," said Toronto Councillor John Filion. "I'm pleased to have the first car in this program located in my Ward so our residents not only can save money, but also enjoy less traffic and less pollution."
Studies have shown that each Zipcar replaces between 15 and 20 personally owned vehicles, and that Zipcar members increase their use of public transit and reduce overall driving, helping to reduce parking demand, congestion and emissions. Zipcar members also report saving more than US $600 per month compared to owning a car. By providing parking locations on city streets, the City Council makes it more convenient and more accessible for more people to use the service, ultimately accelerating the congestion, parking demand and emissions benefits of car sharing.
"We know that car sharing is successful when our cars are conveniently located just around the corner or across the street," said Michael Lende, general manager for Zipcar Toronto. "Thanks to the leadership shown by Councillor Filion and the City Council, many more residents of Toronto have a Zipcar located nearby."
In addition to the Harrison Garden Boulevard location, Zipcar will add 10 vehicles to more on-street parking locations in the downtown core in the next two months. Locations will include the intersections of Emily Street & Wellington Street, Mutual Street & Dundas Street, Ed Mirvish Way & King Street, Gould Street near Dalhousie Street, Jordan Street & King Street, and two additional cars in the North York neighborhood, whose locations are to be determined.
"Zipcar provides affordable and sustainable transportation options for our residents - something we know they value," said Bruce Armstrong, Secretary/Treasurer of the Avondale Community Condominium Association, which represents 15 condominiums near the first Zipcar on-street location. "The availability of Zipcar will help us reduce the demand for parking and improve the livability of our neighborhood."
Zipcars are available by the hour or by the day to members, who can reserve a car via phone, online or a mobile device. A simple hourly fee as low as $7/hour includes parking in the reserved spot, gas, insurance, 200 free kilometers daily and 24/7 roadside assistance.
"Having a Zipcar across the street from my apartment is the ultimate in convenience, and allows me to live in the city without owning a car," said Chafic Filfili, a Zipcar member since 2007. "Instead of car payments, I'm able to spend more money on going out to eat, concerts, hanging out with my friends."
photo:Zipcar
TORONTO, - Zipcar, Inc., the world's largest car-sharing service, and the City of Toronto will now provide city residents easier access to cost-effective, environmentally friendly transportation options by parking Zipcars on select city streets. A Toyota Matrix Zipcar named "Macall", the first of 11 total dedicated Zipcars to be parked across the city, is now available at the intersection of Harrison Garden Boulevard and Humberstone Drive.
"The City's partnership with Zipcar makes it easier for people who live and work in our city to get around without owning a car," said Toronto Councillor John Filion. "I'm pleased to have the first car in this program located in my Ward so our residents not only can save money, but also enjoy less traffic and less pollution."
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Studies have shown that each Zipcar replaces between 15 and 20 personally owned vehicles, and that Zipcar members increase their use of public transit and reduce overall driving, helping to reduce parking demand, congestion and emissions. Zipcar members also report saving more than US $600 per month compared to owning a car. By providing parking locations on city streets, the City Council makes it more convenient and more accessible for more people to use the service, ultimately accelerating the congestion, parking demand and emissions benefits of car sharing.
"We know that car sharing is successful when our cars are conveniently located just around the corner or across the street," said Michael Lende, general manager for Zipcar Toronto. "Thanks to the leadership shown by Councillor Filion and the City Council, many more residents of Toronto have a Zipcar located nearby."
In addition to the Harrison Garden Boulevard location, Zipcar will add 10 vehicles to more on-street parking locations in the downtown core in the next two months. Locations will include the intersections of Emily Street & Wellington Street, Mutual Street & Dundas Street, Ed Mirvish Way & King Street, Gould Street near Dalhousie Street, Jordan Street & King Street, and two additional cars in the North York neighborhood, whose locations are to be determined.
"Zipcar provides affordable and sustainable transportation options for our residents - something we know they value," said Bruce Armstrong, Secretary/Treasurer of the Avondale Community Condominium Association, which represents 15 condominiums near the first Zipcar on-street location. "The availability of Zipcar will help us reduce the demand for parking and improve the livability of our neighborhood."
Zipcars are available by the hour or by the day to members, who can reserve a car via phone, online or a mobile device. A simple hourly fee as low as $7/hour includes parking in the reserved spot, gas, insurance, 200 free kilometers daily and 24/7 roadside assistance.
"Having a Zipcar across the street from my apartment is the ultimate in convenience, and allows me to live in the city without owning a car," said Chafic Filfili, a Zipcar member since 2007. "Instead of car payments, I'm able to spend more money on going out to eat, concerts, hanging out with my friends."
photo:Zipcar