Car Sharing
goDCgo promotes alternatives to driving motor vehicles as a primary means of transportation. We recognize, however, that sometimes you just need a car. Car sharing can be the perfect solution in a variety of scenarios and allows many people to abandon the cost and hassle of car ownership altogether! Both individual and employer memberships, which include gas, insurance and maintenance, allow access to a fleet of vehicles throughout the DC region. Employers can save the cost of maintaining a fleet of their own vehicles; visitors to the District can use them for short trips instead of renting a vehicle for a full day; and residents can avoid costly monthly parking fees by using car sharing vehicles when needed.
The District now has ^two car sharing companies from which to choose. ZipCar and Hertz on Demand have similar programs but with important differences, so be sure to take a look at the chart below for a summary of what membership in each program includes. Then visit each website for more information.
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Membership Features
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^Zipcar
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^Hertz On Demand
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# Cars in DC
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800
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3*
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# Locations in DC
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100’s
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1
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One-way trips?
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No
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Yes
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Age requirement
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21**
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18
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Gas included
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Yes
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Yes
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Insurance included
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Yes
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Yes
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Mileage limit
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180 miles/24 hours
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180 miles/24 hours
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Roadside assistance 24/7
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Yes
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Yes
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24/7 Accessibility
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Yes
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Yes
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Hourly
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Yes
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Yes
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Daily
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Yes
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Yes
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Application Fee
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Yes
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No
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Annual Fee
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Yes***
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No
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^Please note, this information has changed; carsharing has expanded to include multiple companies in the District. We are currently working to update this page so we can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information as it becomes available. Please check back for updates.
*Hertz On Demand is new in the Washington, DC, area. Currently, there are three EV vehicles available at Union Station. However, plans to expand the program are underway.
**May be 18 if affiliated with a partner University. Check with your University to see if you are eligible for membership.
***Zipcar has a $60 annual fee for their “Occasional Driving Plan” but not with their “Extra Value Plan.”