Philadelphia residents seeking convenient and affordable transportation solutions are increasingly turning to car share programs. These initiatives offer a practical alternative to traditional car ownership, particularly in urban environments like Philadelphia, where parking and car maintenance can be costly and cumbersome. Among the leading providers making a significant impact is Zipcar, and a recent partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is expanding access to car sharing for thousands of residents.
The Philadelphia Housing Authority, the fourth-largest housing authority in the nation, has joined forces with Zipcar, the world’s leading car-sharing network, to launch a program that brings shared vehicles directly to PHA communities. This innovative collaboration aims to enhance economic mobility for PHA residents by providing them with on-demand access to transportation for essential needs and opportunities.
“Our mission is to open doors to affordable housing, economic opportunity and safe, sustainable communities to benefit Philadelphia residents with low incomes,” stated Kelvin A. Jeremiah, PHA President & CEO. He emphasized the role of Zipcar as a crucial tool for residents, enabling them to reach job interviews and community amenities more easily.
Angelo Adams, Head of Zipcar, and a Philadelphia native, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growing demand for car sharing in cities, especially within underserved communities. He expressed his enthusiasm for Zipcar’s role in driving the Philadelphia community forward, addressing critical issues of climate, equity, and mobility.
Currently, eight Zipcars are strategically located at four PHA housing sites: the John F. Street Community Center, the Lucien Blackwell Community Center, the Vaux Community Building, and the Wilson Park Apartments. These vehicles are available 24/7 and can be booked by the hour, day, or week. This initiative is particularly timely for residents at Wilson Park Apartments, where the PHA has a Jobs Plus Initiative Program in place. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, supports residents aged 18 to 64 in increasing their income and achieving self-sufficiency through better job opportunities. The Zipcar access directly supports these goals by enabling residents to travel to job interviews, healthcare appointments, and manage daily errands more efficiently.
PHA residents benefit from discounted Zipcar memberships, which include gas, insurance coverage, parking, maintenance, roadside assistance, and 180 miles per day. Considering the increasing costs associated with car ownership, Zipcar estimates that its average member saves approximately $1,000 per month on transportation expenses. PHA residents can easily join, book, and drive by visiting https://www.zipcar.com/partners/pha.
The Broader Impact of Car Sharing in Philadelphia
Zipcar has been operating in Philadelphia since 2007 and currently boasts over 300 vehicles at 140 locations across neighborhoods like South Philly, University City, and Fishtown. Studies consistently demonstrate that car sharing services like Zipcar contribute to a reduction in personal vehicle ownership within cities. This, in turn, alleviates traffic congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and promotes the utilization of sustainable transportation options, including public transit, cycling, walking, and car sharing itself.
Zipcar’s North American Transportation Survey highlights the significant role car sharing plays in the lives of Philadelphians:
- Reduced Car Ownership Costs: Nearly 60% of Philadelphia Zipcar members joined to avoid expenses like car payments, gas, insurance, and parking. Approximately 90% do not own a car, and about half have delayed purchasing or leasing a vehicle due to Zipcar’s availability.
- Financial Savings: 50% of members allocate their Zipcar savings to general savings, while one-third use it for groceries or housing expenses, freeing up income for essential needs.
- Enhanced Access to Opportunities: 80% of Philadelphia Zipcar members reside within walking distance of a Zipcar vehicle and primarily use the service for work, appointments, out-of-town travel, family visits, grocery shopping, and errands, expanding their reach and opportunities within and beyond the city.
- Serving a Diverse Philadelphia Community: Zipcar provides crucial transportation access to a diverse member base in Philadelphia, including individuals who may not otherwise have vehicle access. 50% of members have incomes below Pennsylvania’s median household income, 55% live in multi-family housing, and 46% identify as BIPOC, demonstrating the program’s inclusivity and broad reach.
The PHA partnership builds upon Zipcar’s existing commitment to serving underserved communities. Previous successful collaborations include initiatives with the New York City Housing Authority and the City of Sacramento’s “OurCommunityCarShare” program, which features a zero-emission electric vehicle fleet. These partnerships underscore Zipcar’s dedication to providing equitable and sustainable transportation solutions across diverse urban landscapes.
By expanding access to Philadelphia Car Share Programs, particularly through the PHA partnership, Zipcar is not only providing a valuable service but also contributing to broader goals of economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and improved urban mobility for all Philadelphians.
