Zipcar Takes the Stress Out of the Morning Commute with Innovative Shuttle Service

Unique program to support Meals On Wheels San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15 -- Zipcar, North America's largest car sharing service and premier car sharing experience, today announced plans to improve the morning commute for SF residents by providing a free, convenient "Early Bird Special" shuttle service from various neighborhoods to downtown locations between the hours of 7 AM and 9 AM. Beginning May 15 and running through June 23, Zipcar employees will personally chauffeur anyone who would like to catch a free ride to work in a Zipcar.

During the five-week program, Zipcar will offer free rides in MINI Cooper Convertibles, Prius hybrids and more to downtown Market Street locations from several area neighborhoods, including Castro, Mission, Russian Hill and North Beach. Residents should keep their eyes peeled for these special Zipcars that will be adorned with green flags that read 'Catch a Ride.' The schedule is as follows:

  Starting Location         Ending Location      Dates

  Castro                    Market Street     5/15 - 5/19
  Mission                   Market Street     5/22 - 5/26
  Marina/Pac Heights        Market Street     6/5 - 6/9
  Russian Hill              Market Street     6/12 - 6/16
  North Beach               Market Street     5/29 - 6/2
  Cole Valley               Market Street     6/19 - 6/23

The Early Bird Special will also help put food on the tables of people in need, as commuters who use the free Zipcar shuttle service are encouraged to tip the drivers, with all proceeds collected donated to Meals On Wheels San Francisco. The free shuttle service is part of an ongoing initiative by Zipcar in San Francisco to help raise awareness around and provide support for local charitable causes. Last year, Zipcar created San Francisco's first "Car Bash" to support the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation while raising awareness for environmentally-friendly transportation options.

"Our Early Bird Special introduces San Francisco residents and businesses to the Zipcar service while raising money and awareness for an important local cause," explained Dan Shifrin, Regional Vice President of Zipcar. "Zipcar is dedicated to improving the quality of urban life, and this program will help make a difference not just for Meals On Wheels, but for local communities, as thousands of urbanites will experience a new transportation alternative that creates significant environmental and economic benefits."

Zipcar currently provides free driving time to Zipcar members who volunteer to deliver meals and companionship to San Francisco's homebound seniors. According to Sima Dahi, CEO of Meals On Wheels, "One of our key missions is to develop partnerships that will ensure the provision of quality nutrition services to help those men and women who are elderly, homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk. With the help of Zipcar, we are able to reach more people in need throughout the Bay Area."

In April of 2006, after being in the Bay Area only eight months, Zipcar has the largest car sharing fleet in San Francisco with 115 cars in over 20 San Francisco neighborhoods. Zipcar's makes and models include hybrids, SUVs, convertibles and standard sedans that residents and businesses want to drive. By offering self-service access to vehicles throughout San Francisco, Zipcar's service frees individuals and businesses from the burdens of car ownership, while making a positive impact on the affordability and environmental quality of life in urban markets. Zipcar reduces parking demands, traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions and replaces older vehicles with newer cars that have more stringent pollution controls. Recent studies by Zipcar indicate that each Zipcar takes over 20 privately owned vehicles off the road, and that 40+% of members would have kept their vehicle, or would have purchased a primary or secondary vehicle if Zipcar's car sharing service had not been available in their city. Zipcar members also report they save an average of $435 per month, and use public transit 47% more since becoming a Zipcar member.

About Zipcar

With more than 55,000 consumer and business drivers, Zipcar is North America's largest car sharing service. The company currently operates 1,500 vehicles in 11 states and provinces, including metropolitan New York, Boston, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Toronto and Washington, DC. With Zipcar's technology, accessing and using a Zipcar is as easy as getting cash from an ATM. In minutes or up to a year in advance, members can reserve Zipcars online or by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Zipcar members have automated access to Zipcars using a "Zipcard" to simply unlock the door and drive away. With Zipcar, gas, parking and insurance are always included. For more information, visit http://www.zipcar.com/.

About Meals On Wheels San Francisco

Meals On Wheels of San Francisco exists to alleviate the fear, food insecurity and loneliness experienced by seniors who want to stay in their own home but cannot shop or prepare meals for themselves. It is our mission to provide isolated homebound seniors with nutritious meals, daily human contact, and supportive services to prevent their premature institutionalization. We deliver over 1300 meals per day to clients throughout the city of San Francisco. To refer a senior, volunteer or donate please call (415) 920-1111 or visit our website at http://www.mowsf.org/.