Revolutionizing Mobility: The Launch of Zipcar in Vail

A New Era of Car Sharing in Vail

A brand-new Zipcar, one of four, was unveiled in Vail on Tuesday on the International Bridge. This launch marks the beginning of a car-sharing initiative that aims to reduce carbon output and lessen the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles among residents, workers, and visitors.

The town has invested nearly a quarter billion taxpayer dollars into three affordable housing projects. These projects are set to bring nearly 1,000 residents back into town. Alongside this, there is a strong push to expand public transit and decrease the necessity for private vehicle ownership. Zipcar may be one of the solutions we need.

“We’re excited about the launch of this program and project,” Vail Town Manager Russ Forrest announced to a crowd of council members, town employees, and curious passers-by during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This initiative helps address two major goals that the town of Vail has — the first being our carbon reduction goals for both 2030 and 2050.”

Forrest reminisced about the challenges faced during the Middle Creek affordable housing project in 2002. “One of the big challenges was parking. This project, combined with our major investment in public transit, reduces our need for a single-occupancy vehicle,” he added, recognizing Mike Coughlin, the developer of that pioneering 2003 project, who was present at the event.

Sustainable Transportation Options

Beth Markham, the environmental sustainability manager for the town, took the stage to highlight the subsidized partnership between Zipcar and the town. Currently, the program includes three Toyota RAV4s and one Hyundai Santa Fe, with the potential to expand to other makes and models.

“They are all-wheel drive vehicles, so you’ll be able to navigate the mountains with ease, and they are all hybrids,” Markham explained. “The gas is included in the cost of the vehicle, and the hybrid design makes it more efficient, reducing the need for frequent refueling. We have two vehicles located at Middle Creek Village and two at the Vail Village parking structure.”

For those interested in utilizing this service, the app can be downloaded at zipcar.com/vail.

“The app will show you exactly where to find the vehicles and which one you are renting,” Markham added. “We have named our vehicles after iconic runs on Vail Mountain: Cloud Nine, Riva, Prima, and Yonder. As the program expands, we’ll incorporate fan favorites and name new cars. Ideally, once this program is a huge success, we will also add a couple of cars down at Timber Ridge Village, one of Vail’s new affordable housing complexes.”

Affordable Rates for Everyone

With town subsidies, the Zipcar car-share program offers significant savings for residents, visitors, and employees in Vail. The $15 registration fee and the $25 annual membership fee will be waived. After that, the rate will be reduced to $9.50 an hour, plus taxes and fees, or $66.50 a day, plus taxes and fees. This includes up to 180 miles of driving, with a charge of 67 cents per mile thereafter.

“So the idea is, you don’t need a car,” Markham stated. “We have amazing public transportation, and now we have a great car-share program with our partners at Zipcar to cater to all of your multimodal needs.”

Zipcar has been operating in Colorado since 2006. It facilitates everything from quick trips to the grocery store to camping adventures outside the Eagle River Valley. Here are some additional benefits from a Town of Vail press release:

Benefits of the Town of Vail Car-Sharing Program

• Free Membership: Residents, employees, and guests of the Town of Vail can access a free membership (regularly $90 for standard membership).

• Affordable Rates: All members in the Town of Vail program can enjoy subsidized rates of $9.50/hour or $66.50 per day, covering up to 180 miles, with $0.67/mile thereafter.

• Dedicated Parking: Two Zipcar vehicles are available at Middle Creek Village, located at 145 N. Frontage Road W, and two at the Vail Village Parking Structure, located at 241 S Frontage Road E.

• Seamless App-Based Access: Members can join, reserve, and unlock vehicles in minutes using the app.

• Ski Racks and Bike Racks: Select Zipcar vehicles come equipped with ski racks and bike racks for easy access to recreation in Vail and beyond.

• Environmental Benefits: Car sharing reduces congestion, parking demand, carbon emissions, and vehicle miles traveled, providing an eco-friendly mobility option that supports Vail’s environmental objectives.

  
  

A Complement to Existing Transit Options

Car sharing complements existing transit options, such as the Town of Vail’s free bus system, the Core Transit regional bus system, and the Shift Bike regional electric bike share program. This gives users a multimodal alternative to owning a personal vehicle in a high-cost resort market where parking and vehicle storage are limited.

Recent data from AAA indicates that the average total cost of car ownership—including insurance, fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and financing—can exceed $12,000 annually. In resort communities like Vail, these costs are exacerbated by seasonal demand, limited parking supply, and challenging winter driving conditions. Car sharing offers a pay-for-what-you-use alternative, particularly appealing for residents who primarily rely on transit, biking, or walking but occasionally need access to a car.

Members can join Zipcar online or via the app, reserve a vehicle instantly or in advance, and unlock it with their smartphone. In addition to discounted membership and driving credit, the cost of gas, insurance options, dedicated parking, maintenance, 24/7 member service, roadside assistance, and 180 miles per day are included in a Zipcar membership.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Mobility

The launch of Zipcar in Vail is a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. By reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and promoting car sharing, we can work together to achieve our environmental goals and enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community. As we embrace these new mobility solutions, let’s look forward to a greener, more connected future.