Zipcar launches Zipvan pilot

Zipcar, the leading car sharing network, has announced a pilot in San Francisco that includes full size cargo vans through a new offering called Zipvan. The vans will allow consumers to transport items too bulky for cars or pickup trucks, and give small businesses a new and more affordable option for transporting goods.
March 26, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
3874 Zipcar, the leading car sharing network, has announced a pilot in San Francisco that includes full size cargo vans through a new offering called 4345 Zipvan. The vans will allow consumers to transport items too bulky for cars or pickup trucks, and give small businesses a new and more affordable option for transporting goods. This pilot programme is in response to the performance of the van service currently being offered by Zipcar's UK operations and a Zipcar member survey indicating that nearly 40 per cent of members surveyed would be likely to use Zipvan if available.

By early next month, a total of 15 Ford E-150 cargo vans vehicles will be located throughout San Francisco and Oakland. The vans can be reserved by Zipcar members for hourly or daily use with rates starting from $14.75 per hour and $99 per day, which include gas, insurance, parking, roadside assistance and up to 180 miles of driving per day. Access to the vans is self-serve, so members won't experience the hassles of long lines, paperwork and additional charges associated with traditional van rental.

Zipcar has seen strong utilisation of its cargo van service in London, which has been operating for more than three years as Streetvan (part of Streetcar, a company Zipcar acquired in 2010). During this short-term pilot programme in San Francisco, Zipcar will analyse the performance of Zipvan and member feedback on the programme. Based on these results, the company says it may launch the service in select US and Canadian markets during 2012.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Kapsch outlines tolling options to combat traffic congestion
    January 11, 2017
    Michael Maitland from Kapsch TrafficCom looks at how the various forms of tolling can help authorities combat traffic congestion and air quality problems while simultaneously raising revenue.
    Read More
  • Integrate systems to reduce roadside infrastructure
    January 27, 2012
    David Crawford reviews promising current developments. Instrumentation of the road infrastructure has grown to become one of the most dynamic sectors of the ITS industry. Drivers for its deployment include global concerns over the commercial and environmental pressures of traffic congestion, the importance of keeping drivers informed throughout their journeys, and the need to reduce accident rates and promote the safety of all road users, for example by enforcing traffic safety rules.
    Read More
  • Delivery Mates cleans up with Laundryheap e-cargo bikes
    October 5, 2023
    On-demand laundry service plans to expand using Bike as a Service firm's hubs
    Read More
  • Adaptive control reduces travel time, cuts congestion
    January 20, 2012
    Situated in San Diego County, California, the growing city of San Marcos has seen its population increase by 53.5 per cent since the turn of the century. Although this dramatic population increase has spurred economic growth bringing new business, homes and opportunities to the city, it has also increased traffic congestion along its central corridor, San Marcos Boulevard. This became the most congested arterial in the city, and, by 2006, the second-most travelled corridor in San Diego County.
    Read More

Highlighted Content