Results tagged “zipcar”

Yesterday, we mentioned PhillyCarShare's new rate plan, which would eliminate the Basic Freedom unpaid membership and switch all subscribers over to their $15 monthly "Philadelphia Plan." We were finally able to get a hold of (a very honest) somebody in member services today, and here's the scoop:

There are those of us who used PhillyCarShare (about which Phillyist previously has been very complimentary) for the convenience of having a second car: something to drive in case of emergency or in case that Ikea bookcase was too big to fit in the trunk, even with the back seat folded down. For us, PhillyCarShare had the Basic Freedom plan, which enabled us to not pay a monthly fee to the service in exchange for slightly higher hourly rates. We say "had," because PCS announced yesterday that they were doing away with this plan and, as of April 30 (that's three days from now), all members will have to pay $15 per month to continue using the service. Even better, Basic Freedom members must take the proactive step of opting out before the deadline or they will automatically be charged the new rate. Sure, the hourly rates will be lowered, but for $180 a year, we think that many members will find that's hardly worth it. We're certainly questioning the value of our membership.

Biodegradable beer cups were the news of the day over at The Illadelph, which lauded Aramark's move toward more environmentally-friendly containers for the liver- and waistline-destroying treats served at Citizens Bank Park. Also, did you know that on opening day Phillies fans will eat, among other things, 15,000 hot dogs, 6,000 soft pretzels and 5,000 cheesesteaks? With bikini season just around the corner, we shudder to think of the implications.

For more than five years, Philadelphians have been ditching their own cars in favor of those owned by PhillyCarShare. The program's fleet of sedans, hybrids (which comprise more than 50% of the fleet), convertibles, and pick-up trucks has provided the right wheels for the job for thousands of part-time drivers in our fair city. Each car shared by PhillyCarShare members replaces about 23 individually-owned vehicles. The company itself has become a much-loved local success story and a tireless champion of green living.

Don’t know about you, but when we think about driving in the city we start to get slight palpitations. Part of it could be that we’re used to walking and Septa; the thought of paying exorbitant amounts to park in UCity on a Friday night convinces us that the El isn’t so bad after all. Plus, there’s storage: when we were living on the outskirts of Center City a parking spot would have cost 2/3 of our rent. Don’t get us started on the exhaust fumes, particularly those from the ancient chariots some of us have to drive around in because after parking costs we can’t afford an upgrade. But there are times when having a car is a necessity, even in the city. You need one to escape the heat and exhaust for the cool ocean breeze in the summer for instance, or to do an IKEA run. And so a balance must be struck.