“Americans are broad-minded people. They’ll accept the fact that a person can be an alcoholic, a dope fiend, a wife beater, and even a newspaperman, but if a man doesn’t drive, there is something wrong with him.”
-Art Buchwald, Have I Ever Lied to You?, 1966
Car-Lite Living
The automobile has long been considered as much a part of American life as stars and stripes, apple pie, and well, freedom. But times are changing. Traffic is getting worse, gas prices are climbing, and a whole new trend is sweeping the nation: families are opting for one car instead of two, and some folks are even doing away with it altogether.
And not just in big cities with great subway systems. Nope, we’re talking right here in Texas. With car sharing programs, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too! Car-lite living means taking the bus and train, riding a bicycle, and even walking for most day-to-day activities; on days when a car is necessary, using a service for short term rental takes the place of car ownership. These three services are helping Austin area residents to live car-lite…
Car2Go
With Car2Go, all it takes is a low, one-time membership fee of $35 and you’re set to roll. Armed with a (newly updated) fleet of adorable little Smart Cars, Car2Go is perfect for a quick jaunt across town. Whether you’re up for a quick shopping trip or a drive out to the hill country or to Lake Travis, car2go is just what it sounds like – a car to go. Rates are $.35 a minute plus tax, or $12.99 plus tax per hour and one day (up to 24 hours) is no more than $65.99 plus tax. Warning- in order for this price to apply, the same car must be used all day!
Zipcar
Even though Zipcar currently is housed by the University of Texas, it is open to the public and ready for action. Zipcar has a range of models to choose from, including a Mini Cooper and Toyota Tacoma pickup. So, whether you’re trying to impress a date or moving a couch across town, Zipcar has the car for you. A one-time application fee of $25 dollars and an annual membership fee of $50 is required, and from there the rates start at $8 an hour.
Hertz
Connect by Hertz is a new car sharing program by rental giant Hertz, designed to make rental easier than ever. Members can book vehicles online or via phone for an hour, a day or up to a week. As a member, you get 24-hour access to vehicles, so you can connect to the people and places that matter.
