Car-sharing Service Options Expand

Between, and , D.C.'s efforts to expand its transit alternatives have helped reduce the need for car ownership. Private companies that offer car-sharing services have similarly expanded into the region and now there are three options for D.C. drivers: Zipcar, Car2go and Hertz On Demand.

Car2go launched in the region Saturday, according to the Washington Post.

A Daimler company, Car2go operates on a "floating" model that differs from Zipcar in price structure and rental options. The 200-some Smart cars can be picked up from anywhere and dropped off anywhere. You are charged by the minute for the exact amount of time you have the car. 

In an interview with the Washington Post, the head of Car2go in North America, Nicolas Cole, explained, “Our cars are truly free-floating. You can pick up a car in Dupont Circle, drive across town to Georgetown and leave it there.”

As of 5:45 p.m. Monday evening there were six of the distinct white and blue-striped Smart cars parked in Georgetown.

Currently there are eight Zipcars in Georgetown at four separate locations; one at 33rd and Water Streets, five at the at Wisconsin Avenue and O Street, one at Wisconsin Avenue and 33rd Street and the final car at 3603 T St.

There are an additional six Zipcars in the parking lot at 2233 Wisconsin Ave. in Glover Park and another eight vehicles at the apartment building at 2400 M Street in the West End.

The Hertz On Demand locations nearest to Georgetown are not really all that near at all. You could try your luck with either the Dupont Circle location (11 Dupont Circle) or Cleveland Park (2790 Ordway St.).