The TTC and Zipcar, a car-sharing network with more than 560,000 members, strengthened their ties on Friday (May 6th) as they announced a new benefit for Zipcar/TTC users.
The announcement sees the placement of eight Zipcar vehicles, to be placed in pairs of two, around designated TTC commuter lots (Leslie, Wilson, Eglington, and Keele subway stations).
The new program should see greater access to cost-effective transportation alternatives.
“Public transportation and car sharing programs really go hand-in-hand as they both enable people to reduce their reliance on personally owned vehicles,” Said Karen Stintz, chair of the TTC.
The increased partnership will also see the introduction of the very first reserved parking program of any kind at TTC commuter parking lots. Vehicles available at the designated locations include the Toyota Prius, Mazda 3 sedan, and the Tayota Tacoma pickup truck.
“Offering the convenience of Zipcars at some of our busiest subway stations is a strategic move for the TTC as we continually seek to make the subway a more accessible and efficient system for Toronto commuters,” said Stintz.
In 2010, Zipcar joined the TTC’s Mertropass Hot Dealz program, giving TTC pass holders reduced fees on Zipcar membership and reservations. Those with a Metropass can join Zipcar for an introductory rate of $30 a month with no application fee, available through August 4th, 2011.
“One of our major goals is to provide greater access to Zipcar vehicles within a 10 minute walk from TTC subways, streetcars and buses, and this is a great step toward reaching that objective,” said Michael Lende, general manager of Zipcar Toronto.
According to Zipcar, a car can be reserved on an hourly or daily basis, with starting a $8.50. Cars can be reserved for as little as an hour and as long as four days.
“Zipsters have even greater access to car sharing — a proven cost-effective transportation option and part of a sustainable lifestyle, which complements the use of public transit,” said Lende.
