Zipcar, Inc., the world’s leading car sharing network, announced the company’s expansion into the city of Tacoma, WA. The Zipcar program will provide Tacoma residents, visitors and businesses with increased access to affordable, convenient transportation options that reduce congestion and emissions.

“We’re thrilled to begin offering Zipcar vehicles in Tacoma to provide more convenient and flexible access to our service for both new and existing members in this market,” said Carla Archambault, general manager, Zipcar Seattle. “As with all of our members, our Tacoma Zipsters have access to our entire fleet of over 11,000 Zipcar vehicles located throughout the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, delivering on our brand promise of ‘wheels when you want them’ whether they’re home or visiting one of our other Zipcar markets.” 

The Zipcar program in Tacoma is available to local residents and visitors, as well as to employees of local businesses through the company’s “Zipcar for Business” program that offers discounted driving Monday through Friday. Zipcar for Business helps businesses save money, meet environmental sustainability goals and reduce parking requirements by providing their employees with access to Zipcars for business needs and other uses.

“Tacoma is thrilled to welcome Zipcar to our community,” said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “We are a city that is committed to practical sustainability initiatives.  Zipcar is a great addition to our urban core as we strive to improve it with flexible and affordable transportation options.”

As an environmentally friendly transportation option, Zipcar will help to reduce Tacoma’s carbon footprint. National studies have shown that each car shared takes 15 privately owned vehicles off the road, and that average vehicle miles traveled per driver is reduced by 40 percent when car owners switch to car sharing.

Pat McCarthy, the County Executive for Pierce County, said, “We know that Zipcar has been a popular option for students, faculty and staff at the University of Washington at Tacoma and at Pacific Lutheran University, and we’re pleased to be expanding the availability of car sharing to Tacoma residents and businesses. We believe this sustainable and cost-effective transportation option will complement efforts to make Pierce County an even more environmentally and economically responsible place to live.”