Content provided in partnership with

Business Services Industry

PhillyCarShare Launches "Free Rail to CarShare" SEPTA Promotion

Business Wire, July 16, 2007

First Program in North America to Offer Free Rail Transit with Car Sharing Membership

PHILADELPHIA -- PhillyCarShare has announced the launch of a groundbreaking, first-in-its-industry program called "Free Rail to CarShare" that will reimburse its members for SEPTA use when they connect from the public transit service to a PhillyCarShare vehicle.

Members who use subway, trolley and regional rail service and send in their receipts (not required for subway/trolley) will be reimbursed as a credit to their PhillyCarShare accounts, up to $7 round-trip for regional rail and $2.60 round-trip on rapid transit and subway-surface. With over 30 eligible stations in the promotion representing every rail line in the SEPTA system, notable stations include: 69th Street, Frankford, Fern Rock, 30th Street, City Hall, 8th & Market, and neighborhood stations along the R6, R7, and R8 regional rail lines in Northwest Philadelphia. (See http://www.phillycarshare.org for all details.)

Most Popular Articles in Business: Research and Markets : Tesco Plc - SWOT Framework Analysis; Do Us a Flavor - Ben & Jerry's Issues a Call for Euphoric New Flavors; eBay made easy: ready to start an eBay business? These 5 simple steps will ...; Katrina's lawsuit surge: a legal battle to force insurers to pay for flood ...; Wal-Mart's newest distribution center opened last month near the southwest ...; More »

"This is a pioneering partnership," said Clayton Lane, AICP, Deputy Executive Director and Co-Founder, PhillyCarShare. "Never before has rail transit been free with car sharing."

"SEPTA riders and car sharers have an affinity towards a healthier lifestyle and cleaner environment," said John F. McGee, Jr., SEPTA, Chief Office, Revenue, Ridership, Marketing and Sales. "SEPTA proudly partners with PhillyCarShare on this promotion and looks forward to expansion of the car share network across the SEPTA service area."

Many stations are expected to be used quite often for the program, including the regional rail stops in Chestnut Hill. "This is a great promotion, one that we expect may help increase visitor traffic in our district," said Bob Previdi, Executive Director, Chestnut Hill Business Association. "It's truly a benefit for everyone in the city- shoppers, commuters and visitors alike."

Over 90 percent of PhillyCarShare's more than 16,000 members use SEPTA; forty-six (46) percent commute every day by SEPTA. People who join PhillyCarShare and sell their cars also report taking transit 35 percent more often. In addition, each PhillyCarShare vehicle replaces 26 privately owned cars, according to peer-reviewed, published, member surveys.

"Walking and biking can only get you so far...," said PhillyCarShare member Khiet Luong, who takes the "El" to 69th Street Terminal to pick up Mini Coopers and Prius hybrids. "But for everything else, there's PhillyCarShare and SEPTA."

"With SEPTA and PhillyCarShare, people can sell their cars and keep their freedom," added Lane. "Taking free rail transit to PhillyCarShare is cheaper, greener, and more convenient than owning a car in the city."

PhillyCarShare offers members the freedom of driving while eliminating the costs and hassles of ownership; drivers only pay for the time and mileage they use. Fees cover gas, insurance, maintenance and parking.

SEPTA is the public transportation authority serving the five county Greater Philadelphia region, providing about one million rides each weekday, with a multi-modal fleet of over 2,000 buses, trolleys, subway/elevated trains and commuter rail trains, over a geographic area of about 2,200 square miles. For more information, visit www.septa.org.

PhillyCarShare, launched in 2002, is a non-profit organization that operates a rapidly growing fleet of "cars by the hour" from 200+ neighborhood locations (pods) in Philadelphia. Each member receives a personal key and 24-hour access. Then driving is easy: reserve online, unlock, and go! Rates start at $2.90 per hour or $29 per day and members can get free hours in hybrids and free rides on rail transit. Members report selling or avoiding the purchase of 7,000 cars; walk, bike, and take transit more; and save an average of $4,000 annually versus owning cars. PhillyCarShare pioneered free memberships, service to any drivers aged 18 to 20 (U.S.), pods every block, debit billing (enabling people of all incomes to join), child seats (U.S.) and municipal car sharing. For more information, visit www.phillycarshare.org.

Editors' Note: Interviews/Photos Available

Business Services Industry

PhillyCarShare Launches "Free Rail to CarShare" SEPTA Promotion

Business Wire, July 16, 2007

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Health

Most Popular Articles in Business

Most Popular Publications in Business