Zipcar and car sharing parking question...

[turil.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know if the Somerville-based Zipcars have Somerville parking permits, so that they can be legally parked in our residential parking areas?

It makes sense that they would, and of course it's a great idea (to encourage more people to share cars, and to rent cars only when they need them, instead of owning them and keeping them on the streets), but I have no idea if this is the reality.

Also, does anyone know of any other (preferably non-corporate) car sharing options in the area? Even just a casual group of folks who share a car who might be open to me sharing it too once in a while for a reasonable rate? I rarely ever need one, but I've been having to move a lot lately, and it would be nice to know my options if my friends can't help me.

Comments

[jovianconsensus.livejournal.com]

I doubt such a thing as a non-corporate rental car agency exists (although it does sound like a good idea)

It sounds like a terrible idea, for the reasons you state in the next sentence.

well

[mattdm.livejournal.com]

Depends if by "non-corporate" one really just means "not for-profit", which seems to be working just fine in San Francisco (http://www.citycarshare.org/).

Re: well

[turil.livejournal.com]

A couple of decades ago there were some car sharing co-ops around these parts. I almost joined one, but really never needed a car. The idea was essentially the same as having roommates sharing a house. The only real complication was the insurance, of course. But it was doable.