Car sharing has become an increasingly popular way to get around Philadelphia, especially among urban dwellers who want to avoid the hassle and expense of car ownership. With car-sharing services, you can rent a car for a few hours or a full day and pay only for the time you need. In this article, we’ll explore the different car-sharing apps available in Philadelphia and their prices, as well as the benefits of car sharing.
Car-Sharing Apps in Philadelphia
There are several car-sharing apps available in Philadelphia, each with its own unique features and pricing structure. Here are some of the most popular car-sharing apps in Philadelphia:
Zipcar
Zipcar is one of the largest car-sharing services in Philadelphia, with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles available in more than 50 locations throughout the city. The company offers a range of vehicles, from small city cars to larger SUVs. Users can reserve a car through the Zipcar app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to locate and reserve a car, as well as unlock and start the vehicle.
Zipcar offers a pay-per-use pricing plan, which charges users by the hour or day, depending on the vehicle type.The pricing includes fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs, which makes it a convenient option for users who don’t want to worry about extra expenses. Zipcar also offers a monthly membership plan, which provides users with discounted hourly and daily rates. Memberships start at $7 per month and hourly rates can range from $6 to $14, depending on the membership level.
Car2Go
Car2Go is a popular car-sharing service that operates in several cities around the world, including Philadelphia. The service offers a fleet of over 300 vehicles, including smart cars and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Users can reserve a car through the Car2Go app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to locate and reserve a car, as well as unlock and start the vehicle.
Car2Go offers a pay-per-use pricing plan, which charges users by the minute, hour, or day, depending on the vehicle type. The pricing includes fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs, which makes it a convenient option for users who don’t want to worry about extra expenses. Car2Go also offers a monthly membership plan, which provides users with discounted rates. Memberships start at $5 per month and hourly rates can range from $0.31 to $0.45, depending on the membership level.
Enterprise CarShare
Enterprise CarShare is a car-sharing service that operates in several cities, including Philadelphia. The service offers a fleet of over 100 vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and vans. Users can reserve a car through the Enterprise CarShare app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to locate and reserve a car, as well as unlock and start the vehicle.
Enterprise CarShare offers a pay-per-use pricing plan, which charges users by the hour or day, depending on the vehicle type. The pricing includes fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs, which makes it a convenient option for users who don’t want to worry about extra expenses. Enterprise CarShare also offers a monthly membership plan, which provides users with discounted rates. Memberships start at $6 per month and hourly rates can range from $5 to $12, depending on the membership level.
Maven
Maven is a car-sharing service that operates in several cities, including Philadelphia. The service offers a fleet of over 60 vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Users can reserve a car through the Maven app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to locate and reserve a car, as well as unlock and start the vehicle.
Maven offers a pay-per-use pricing plan, which charges users by the hour or day, depending on the vehicle type. The pricing includes fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs, which makes it a convenient option for users who don’t want to worry about extra expenses. Maven also offers a monthly membership plan, which provides users with discounted rates. Memberships start at$7 per month and hourly rates can range from $6 to $10, depending on the membership level.
Turo
Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing service that allows car owners to rent out their vehicles to other users. The service operates in several cities, including Philadelphia, and offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. Users can reserve a car through the Turo app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to browse available cars, reserve a car, and communicate with the car owner.
Turo offers a pay-per-use pricing plan, which charges users by the day, week, or month, depending on the vehicle type and the car owner’s pricing. The pricing includes insurance, but fuel and other additional expenses may not included, which means that users need to factor in these costs when renting a car. Turo also offers a monthly membership plan, which provides users with discounted rates.
Car-Sharing Prices in Philadelphia
The pricing for car-sharing services in Philadelphia varies depending on the company, the vehicle type, and the location. Here is an overview of the typical pricing for car-sharing services in Philadelphia:
- Zipcar: The pay-per-use plan starts at $7.50 per hour, or $69 per day. The monthly membership plan starts at $7 per month, with hourly rates ranging from $6 to $14, depending on the membership level.
- Car2Go: The pay-per-use plan starts at $0.35 per minute, $15 per hour, or $89 per day. The monthly membership plan starts at $5 per month, with hourly rates ranging from $0.31 to $0.45, depending on the membership level.
- Enterprise CarShare: The pay-per-use plan starts at $9.99 per hour, or $69 per day. The monthly membership plan starts at $6 per month, with hourly rates ranging from $5 to $12, depending on the membership level.
- Maven: The pay-per-use plan starts at $8 per hour, or $69 per day. The monthly membership plan starts at $7 per month, with hourly rates ranging from $6 to $10, depending on the membership level.
- Turo: The pricing for Turo varies depending on the car owner’s pricing and the vehicle type. The daily rates can range from $30 to $200 or more, depending on the car model and the location.
It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the location, time of day, and demand. Additionally, some car-sharing services may charge additional fees for things like late returns, cleaning, or tolls.
Benefits of Car Sharing in Philadelphia
Car sharing offers numerous benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. Here are some additional benefits of car sharing in Philadelphia:
- Reduced traffic congestion: By reducing the number of cars on the road, car sharingcan help alleviate traffic congestion in Philadelphia, which is a major problem in the city. Fewer cars on the road mean less congestion, shorter travel times, and less pollution caused by idling vehicles.
- Increased access to transportation: Car sharing provides a flexible and affordable option for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, especially those living in low-income neighborhoods. By increasing access to transportation, car sharing can help improve economic opportunities and social mobility for underserved communities.
- Improved air quality: Philadelphia has some of the highest levels of air pollution in the country, which can cause health problems like asthma and lung disease. Car sharing can reduce emissions and improve air quality by promoting the use of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles.
- Reduced parking demand: With limited parking options in Philadelphia, car sharing can help reduce the demand for parking spaces. By encouraging people to use shared vehicles instead of owning their own cars, car sharing can help free up parking spaces in congested areas.
- Convenience for tourists and visitors: Car sharing can be a convenient option for tourists and visitors who want to explore Philadelphia without the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transportation. With car-sharing services, visitors can easily access a vehicle and explore the city on their own terms.
- Positive environmental impact: Car sharing can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. By promoting sustainable transportation options, car sharing can help createa more sustainable future for Philadelphia and beyond.
