Flexcar Launches in Belltown with Neighborhood Partner

Seattle Mayor Paul Schell and Executive Ron Sims
welcome Flexcar to Belltown, in the parking space that is
reserved for the Belltown shared car, behind the
American Lung Association office at Third and Cedar.

King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Paul Schell were on hand today at the American Lung Association to welcome Flexcar car sharing to Belltown.

Flexcar enables urban residents to "share" a vehicle rather than own a car in already congested neighborhoods. The Belltown neighborhood is well suited for car sharing as it offers nearby shopping and recreational amenities as well as convenient access to public transit.

"Belltown is the fastest growing neighborhood in King County, and car sharing allows people to move back into the city and have mobility without owning a car and parking it," said Sims, noting the sounds of construction from nearby buildings. "That keeps the streets clear and supports our Smart Growth goal of creating healthy urban environments."

Flexcar is the fastest-growing car sharing program in North America. It is an innovative public-private partnership that was launched by Seattle, King County, and a private company, Mobility, Inc., in January 2000. Flexcar has grown to have over 750 members in the last nine months. Flexcar has ten vehicles, including a pickup truck, in Capitol Hill and three vehicles in the Queen Anne neighborhood. The addition of three cars in Belltown will bring the fleet total to 16.

County Funding for Car Sharing

In support of his SmartGrowth initiative, King County Executive Ron Sims announced he would include about $180,000 in his 2001 budget to expand Flexcar into new markets and link it to other county program such as Flexpass and the Location Efficient Mortgage program. The funds come from federal grant funds dedicated for this purpose.

"King County has already worked hard not only to manage our region's population growth, but to also provide the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the growth," said Metropolitan King County Councilmember and honorary Flexcar member Larry Phillips, who represents the Belltown neighborhood. "Innovative programs like Flexcar helps provide additional urban infrastructure by providing cost-effective transportation options for those already utilizing the County's Metro bus system".

City Funding for Car Sharing

As part of his Maintenance and Mobility Initiative, which was unveiled this past May, Mayor Paul Schell is announcing City financial support of $50,000 in 2000 to expand car sharing to other Seattle neighborhoods, including Fremont, International District, Pioneer Square, the Central Area, and Judkins Park. City funds will support marketing and advertising activities as well as vehicle leasing costs associated with the expansion. Residents in these areas have shown interest in Flexcar and the City is committed to providing transportation choices to underserved populations.

"I strongly support car sharing as a low-cost transportation choice that can create livable communities here in Belltown and in other Seattle neighborhoods," said Mayor Paul Schell. "Car sharing is a key element of my Maintenance and Mobility Initiative to improve mobility for Seattle citizens and to connect neighborhoods with each other."

Partnership with American Lung Association

A collaboration between Flexcar and the American Lung Association of Washington, which is located in Belltown, means that one of the three Belltown vehicles will be parked behind the American Lung Association’s building. The affiliation with the American Lung Association of Washington supports their goal of increasing public awareness of air quality issues. Almost 60 percent of outdoor air pollution in Washington State is caused by motor vehicles. The American Lung Association of Washington advocates alternatives to auto ownership such as transit, walking, biking, and now car sharing.

How Flexcar works

Membership in Flexcar typically costs less than half of what it costs to own and use a comparable vehicle. Members of the program reserve a car and are then charged on an hourly and per mile basis to cover the costs of the vehicle, gasoline, insurance, and maintenance. Members also have the option of signing up for monthly dues that reduce time and mileage charges. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old and have a good driving record.

Car sharing programs have operated successfully in Europe and Canada for many years and have been shown to reduce auto dependence, free up neighborhood parking congestion, help the environment, and provide the benefits of auto ownership without the high cost or hassles.

Additional information about Flexcar is available at www.Flexcar.com. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (206) 323-FLEX or e-mail info@Flexcar.com.

News Release