Flexcar

[Mskedi]

This is one of the best ideas I've heard:

http://www.flexcar.com/default.asp

I haven't had a car for about 3 1/2 months, and the longer I go without one, the more I never want to have one again, but there are times when a car would be really nice for a short trip. This sounds perfect for me! I just joined the bikestation in my town:

http://www.bikestation.org/

To make things even better, California is thinking about building a high-speed rail system to connect major cities... I really hope all these things catch on!

Does anyone hear belong to flexcar? It sounds like an excellent idea. I'll probably join next month and post what I think. Even if it isn't as cool as I think, it's only $25 a year ($15 with my bikestation discount!), and if I don't like it, I don't have to use it again and I won't be billed for anything else.

Ooh.. and it's all hybrid and electric cars in my city. Spiffy!

[epski]

Here-here. It's not the most cost-effective option in the world, but it beats owning a car (myself carless since August '03). Comes in handy for huge errand days (recycling, groceries, etc., etc.)

[Mskedi]

Yeah, the hourly is a bit much, but I can't imagine using it too often. (So far I haven't needed a car, and I've been carless since the end of November. :) ) I just think it will be convenient for that inevitable time when I do need a car for a quick trip somewhere to buy something heavy. And I'm pretty sure I'll use it at the end of the school year to unpack my classroom. I can't fathom taking home all my supplies on the bus!

I like that they don't charge you an hourly between 11pm and 7am, so if I needed it because I had to be out late at night alone, it wouldn't really be all that bad. :) (And the fact that one of the cars is parked in the garage under one of my favorite jazz clubs just makes it that much better -- I can get there by bus, stay late, and drive home. Sweet!)

[Dirty Martini]

Flexcars are all over Portland - they're really popular here!

[Mskedi]

Oooh.. that's good to know. Apparently if you join one, you join the whole national group of them, and I like going to Oregon. :)