Living in a sprawling metropolis like Los Angeles, the necessity of owning a personal vehicle is increasingly becoming a choice rather than a requirement. Thanks to the rise of convenient car share programs, getting around the city without the commitment of car ownership is easier than ever. In Los Angeles, a diverse range of car share companies offer flexible and accessible transportation solutions throughout the urban landscape.
From bustling Downtown LA to areas near the airport, university campuses, business hubs, and entertainment hotspots, you’ll find readily available pick-up and drop-off points for various car share services. This accessibility is particularly advantageous for residents of modern, centrally located apartments.
For those considering a move to car-share-friendly living, services like Blueground offer fully furnished apartments situated within walking distance of numerous car share locations. These apartments provide not only comfort and style but also enhanced convenience with features like guest apps for local advice and on-demand services.
Let’s delve into some of the leading car share programs in Los Angeles, exploring their unique offerings and how they can streamline your city transportation needs.
Zipcar: The Pioneer of Car Sharing in LA
Established in 2000, Zipcar stands as one of the longest-running and most recognized car share services in Los Angeles. With a widespread network of pick-up and drop-off locations, Zipcar provides convenient access to vehicles across key LA neighborhoods.
These locations include Downtown, near the heavily trafficked Union Station Metro, the University of Southern California (USC) campus, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood, Santa Monica, and many other central areas throughout the city.
To become a Zipcar member, applicants must be at least 21 years old (or 18 for students) and possess a valid driver’s license. New users have the opportunity to test the waters with a 30-day free trial membership.
Following the trial or for direct sign-up, a yearly membership costs $70, with hourly rental rates commencing at an affordable $10 per hour.
Once you’ve completed the initial free trial sign-up, Zipcar typically requires one business day or more to verify your driving credentials. Upon successful verification, a physical Zipcard will be dispatched to your address, arriving within three to seven business days.
After activating your Zipcard, you gain the ability to reserve vehicles online or via the user-friendly Zipcar mobile application. When you arrive at your chosen Zipcar and are ready to begin your trip, simply tap your Zipcard on the windshield reader to unlock the vehicle. The car keys will be readily available inside.
Essential Zipcar Usage Guidelines
To ensure a smooth experience for all users, Zipcar has established several key rules:
- Vehicle Inspection: Before driving off, carefully examine your Zipcar for any pre-existing damage, excessive dirt, or low fuel levels. Report any issues immediately through the app.
- Cleanliness: Maintain the car’s cleanliness by removing all personal items and disposing of any trash before returning it.
- Fuel Policy: Ensure the fuel tank is at least a quarter full when you return the vehicle for the next member.
- No Smoking Policy: Smoking, of any kind, is strictly prohibited in Zipcars. Violations will result in penalty fees.
- Pet Policy: If traveling with pets, they must be secured in a pet carrier at all times to maintain vehicle cleanliness and prevent damage.
- Timely Returns: Return the Zipcar punctually. Late returns incur a $50 late fee, impacting both your wallet and other members’ schedules.
Zipcar Key Features
Zipcar memberships come with several beneficial features:
- Mileage Allowance: Each rental includes a generous daily mileage allowance of 180 miles. Beyond this, a per-mile fee of $0.45 is applied.
- Fuel Included: A complimentary fuel card is located within each Zipcar, simplifying refueling if needed during your trip.
- Insurance Coverage: Insurance is automatically included with every Zipcar rental, providing peace of mind on the road.
BlueLA: Embracing Electric Car Sharing in Los Angeles
BlueLA stands out in the Los Angeles car share landscape by offering a fleet composed entirely of electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative is a key component of the city’s broader strategy to promote sustainable mobility and reduce carbon emissions.
BlueLA welcomes members aged 18 and older who hold a valid driver’s license, making electric vehicle sharing accessible to a wide range of LA residents.
Membership grants 24/7 access to BlueLA’s shared electric vehicle network, seven days a week.
BlueLA stations are equipped with user-friendly self-service kiosks and typically feature five dedicated parking spaces on the street, each with its own electric charging unit.
Utilizing a point-to-point system, BlueLA offers added flexibility. You are not required to return the EV to the same station where you initially picked it up, enabling convenient one-way trips within the service area.
Currently, BlueLA’s service area encompasses neighborhoods such as Westlake, Silverlake, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Downtown, Echo Park, Little Tokyo, and Chinatown, with potential for future expansion.
BlueLA Membership Options
BlueLA offers tiered membership plans to cater to different usage needs:
- Trial Membership: Ideal for occasional users, the trial membership charges $0.40 per minute of use, with a minimum charge of $6, equivalent to 15 minutes.
- Standard Membership: For more frequent users, the standard membership involves a monthly fee of $5, totaling $60 annually. Rental rates under this plan are reduced to $0.20 per minute, with a minimum charge of $3 (15 minutes).
Getaround: Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing in LA
Getaround operates on a unique model within the car share market. Instead of owning its fleet, Getaround facilitates a peer-to-peer car sharing platform, allowing individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to other members of the community.
A significant advantage of Getaround is the absence of monthly or annual membership fees, providing a pay-as-you-go approach to car sharing.
Users can browse thousands of cars available for rent using the Getaround mobile app. Rentals can be scheduled flexibly by the hour or by the day, accommodating various trip durations.
Upon your initial rental request, Getaround performs an instant verification of your driver’s license and credit card, ensuring a quick and efficient onboarding process. All vehicles rented through Getaround include comprehensive insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance for added security and support.
Getaround Car Share Advantages
Getaround offers a range of compelling features:
- On-Demand Rental & Flexibility: Rent a car precisely when you need it. If your plans change, you can easily extend your reservation directly from your smartphone.
- Keyless Access: Utilize the Getaround Connect™ key feature within the app to unlock your rented vehicle using your phone. Physical keys are located inside the car for your convenience.
- Advanced Search Filters: The Getaround app provides numerous filters to refine your search and quickly locate the ideal vehicle based on your specific needs and preferences.
- Direct Owner Communication: Access all essential information for your car pick-up, including direct contact details for the vehicle owner, through the Getaround app.
- Apple Pay Integration: For users with newer iPhone models, Apple Pay integration simplifies payment for your rental costs, offering a seamless transaction experience.
By exploring these diverse car share programs, residents and visitors alike can navigate Los Angeles efficiently and sustainably, embracing the convenience and flexibility of car sharing in this dynamic urban center.
