De-car-ing week: Flexcar and the joys of semi-ownership

This week's eco-topic: De-car-ing.

No, I don't have my own car anymore. But I have access to a car whenever I need it.

How? Through Flexcar. Basically, Flexcar is like a regular car rental except you can rent by the half hour; rates are $5 to $10 per hour. You can also book online or by phone without ever dealing with someone trying to put you in a bigger car or get you to buy more insurance. Oh, insurance and gas are included in the rental price.

All you have to do is sign up to become a member! You'll then get a wallet-sized membership card. After that, all you have to do is make an instantaneous reservation (I've gone online at 6:30 to book a car starting 6:30), wave your card in front of the car to unlock it, take the car key out of the glove compartment and start driving!

Flexcar is really popular with households trying to get rid of their second cars, but it works pretty damn well for me too. In fact, I wouldn't have gotten rid of my car if I didn't have Flexcar. Emergencies are rare, but it's best to be prepared for them.

That said, $5 to $10 an hour can add up. If I know I need a car for a full day -- which happens every couple of months or so -- I just walk over to Enterprise and rent a car for $30 a day or less.

If you plan ahead better than I do: There's the eco-friendly Bio-Beetle rental service too, with locations near LAX, Santa Monica and Pasadena. The cars run on biodiesel, and daily prices begin at $49.99. I haven't tried them yet, but I will soon and report back --

But Flexcar is essential for all short and last-minute trips.

Last week, the L.A. City Council Transportation Committee considered on-street parking options for car-sharing programs such as Flexcar. Did anyone go to the meeting? What happened?

Comments

[Scotty]

I signed up for Flexcar the minute it came to Los Angeles. I don't use it too often, but when I do, it is great to know it is here. For example, around 4 weeks ago on a Monday I came to work, only to realize that I had a job interview at 2pm. I came to work with no suit. So, I got on line and reserved a car, flew home at lunch, and was back to work with my suit. It cost $28 for two hours, but gas is included - even the parking garage fees are paid by Flexcar. I live 25 miles from DT Los Angeles, so it quite a bargin.