Zipcar has announced it will launch car-sharing operations for the Town of Vail, becoming the community’s car-sharing provider and offering access to convenient, on-demand vehicles for residents, local businesses and guests. Reducing the need for personal car ownership, Zipcar helps ease parking demands, cut congestion, and support the town’s climate goals.

To celebrate the launch, a public ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for noon on March 17 at the International Bridge in Vail Village. The launch event will feature brief remarks by Town of Vail leadership, an official ribbon-cutting, photos, Zipcar demos, swag and refreshments.

Serving Coloradans since 2006, Zipcar estimates Vail residents and guests will now take thousands of trips for work, errands, healthcare visits, family commitments, and out-of-town travel using Zipcars. “Expanding flexible transportation options is key to keeping Vail accessible and livable,” said Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Town of Vail. “Partnering with Zipcar provides a proven, scalable solution that supports our sustainability goals while meeting the needs of our community and guests.”

Benefits of the Town of Vail car sharing program, include: 

•  Free membership (regularly $90 for standard membership) will be available for residents, employees and guests of the Town of Vail
  
  
• Affordable Rates for all members in the Town of Vail program available with subsidized rates of $9.50/hour or $66.50 per day, for up to 180 miles and $0.67/miles thereafter
  
  
• Dedicated parking for two Zipcar vehicles at Middle Creek Village located at 145 N. Frontage Road W and two Zipcar vehicles at Vail Village Parking Structure located at 241 S Frontage Road E
  
  
• Seamless app-based access allows members to join, reserve and unlock vehicles in minutes
  
  
• Ski racks and bike racks on select Zipcar vehicles for easy, convenient access to recreation in Vail and beyond
  
  
• Car sharing reduces congestion, parking demand, carbon emissions and vehicle miles traveled, providing an environmentally friendly mobility option that supports Vail’s environmental objectives.

Car sharing complements existing transit options such as the Town of Vail’s free bus system, Core Transit regional bus system and the Shift Bike regional electric bike share program, giving users a multimodal alternative to owning a personal vehicle in a high-cost resort market where parking and vehicle storage are limited.

Recent data from AAA indicates that average total car ownership costs – including insurance, fuel, maintenance, depreciation and financing can exceed $12,000 annually. In resort communities like Vail, those costs are compounded by seasonal demand, limited parking supply, and winter driving conditions. Car sharing offers a pay-for-what-you-use alternative — particularly attractive for residents who rely primarily on transit, biking or walking but occasionally need access to a car.

Members can join Zipcar online or via the app, reserve a vehicle instantly or in advance, and unlock it with their smartphone. In addition to discounted membership and driving credit, the cost of gas, insurance options, dedicated parking, maintenance, 24/7-member service, roadside service and 180 miles per day are included in a Zipcar membership. 

To join, book and drive, visit zipcar.com/vail. Questions about the Zipcar car sharing program in Vail can be directed to Beth Markham, environmental sustainability manager for Town of Vail, at bmarkham@vail.gov or 970-479-2333.