So long ZipCar

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on Wednesday

THE congestion charge has been blamed as (solely) responsible for ZipCar's demise.

However, according to yesterday's analysis from London Centric, the charge was one of several factors involved in the (regrettable) demise and it appears to have been the last straw ("final nail") for the company.

Car-owners leave their assets parked-up and stationary for some 90% of the time, during which period their costly asset depreciates heavily. And during the c.10% of time when its used. Economically, it's irrational. While a service like ZipCar makes economic sense.

Years ago, I subscribed for 12 months but never used it; I'm sure that many people would like to think of such as service as a convenient backup.  Perhaps a locally-owned alternative will grow in it's place.

Why Zipcar gave up on London

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul K on Friday

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul Soper on Friday

There have been a couple of attempts o introdice car "clubs" to our streets, Zipcar was certainly a good one whilst it lasted but it did have problems.  Too few Flex cars which were really great and even ideal from the perspective of getting too and from the airports BUT... Too few London boroughs allowed them to operate, so you could drive to Heathrow but not Euston or Kings cross as Camden didn't allow them.  Car "clubs" are in reality just car hire companies who are allowed to park on our streets sometimes in their own dedicated bays but actually paying very little for the privilege instead of having their own premises - it needs a London-wide initiative to get it to work so that you can can get one when you need it, where you need it, and until that arrives there will always be problems.  Enterprise will probably try to fill the gap but looking just now the nearest to me is over a mile away and I would have to return it back to that site - the zipcar flexible hiring plan was perfect...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on Friday

THE Haringey Community Press notes this withdrawal as a huge blow.

I hope the gap is filled by a similar service. In the meantime, the gap may be filled by more car buying and more car-use in Haringey.

Fears the move by Zipcar will worsen congestion as more people are forced to buy their own vehicle

This withdrawal also underscores the lack of foresight by the local council's unimaginative highways department. All they're able to offer is more of the same, supported by a cabinet content—as always—to leave transport planning, policy and practice to their "experts".

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page