Just last week I took these photos, one of the sign that designates the parking space for a Flexcar and one of the Flexcar itself, in the area known as Old Town Chinatown. Then on Saturday I found the Fall/Winter 2007-08 NW Portland Business Guide in our mailbox and read that Flexcar has over 200 vehicles in Portland, with around 60 in the Northwest. That explains why I've noticed more and more evidence of the car-sharing company in our neighborhood in the Northwest Hills.
Since I first became aware of Flexcar last summer, I've thought that someday in the far off future when our '96 Buick Lesabre kicks the bucket, it's Flexcar for Mama and me. I don't think I've sold her on it, yet. Do you have any experience with car-sharing? Preferably positive, of course.
Is it like a car rental service? Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteFrom the back page of the magazine, I've learned that for $35 per year, plus the hourly fee that their ad says is typically $10 an hour, Flexcar offers you your choice of car types to use for errands, travel, whatever. The rate covers gas, premium insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance and maintenance of said car.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly sounds interesting to me.
This is new to me. (I love the title. :)
ReplyDeleteCatchy title :)
ReplyDeleteThe flexcar package sounds interesting. It must be rather convenient too.
I think car sharing sounds like a good thing...as generally it cuts down your carbon footprint. Cars in general are bad news for the environment. Thanks for your lovely comment over at TORUŃ DP!
ReplyDeleteNo experience yet - but it does sound good in theory. And talk about the positive effect on the environment. How about owning a Smart car?
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo.
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Flexcar is a new term to me, I know in Wichita, for a while, there were bicycles painted in a hideous (stand out) color of green, and they were placed at various points in the city for people to use. They were painted the way they were, so they were easily recognizable as bikes for the bike sharing service. I don't see them around anymore, must not of worked out.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your "Walkway" question, yes, I've walked through the walkway many times. Sometimes pushing a baby stroller, carrying a diaper bag, and purse -- and shopping bags too, on the return trip to the car. It was very convenient to not have to cross busy streets with all that in tow. And, my children, when small enjoyed the walk over, too.
This does sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteWe have Zipcars
ReplyDelete$7.65/hr & $57.80/day. No annual fee, $25 one-time application fee, gas, parking & insurance included. A fantastic deal, if you ask me. They also have an "occasional driver plan" with an annual fee and the rates are a tad higher but very economical nonetheless.
I found reviews from Zipcar users in Boston and I also did a search on Flexcar in Portland, here
it is. Shared car users in both cities seem to be quite happy with this system. That's good news, isn't it? :)
I've never heard of it but it does sound interesting. Might be the ideal thing for some folks.
ReplyDeleteWe have the zipcars too - not very frequent though. Most New Yorkers take the subway. So we have adds from Bloomberg advertising the use of cloth shopping bags. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your system. Very smart.