Car-Sharing Program Rolls Into Redmond

National car-sharing company Zipcar has begun renting out two vehicles at the  on Cleveland Street, making Redmond the fourth city in Washington state with a Zipcar program.

Carla Archambault, the general manager for Zipcar in Seattle, said the company made the two cars—an Audi A3 and a Honda Insight hybrid—available for rental about a week ago. Zipcar will hold an official launch party at Red160 from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 20.

“We’re excited to be there,” Archambault said. “I’m looking forward to our future relationship with the city of Redmond.”

Zipcar is a car-sharing program that allows members to rent cars by the hour or day. Members pay a $60 annual fee along with an hourly or daily rental rate, which varies based on the type of vehicle. Gas, insurance and maintenance are paid for by Zipcar.

Archambault said the A3 is available for $11 per hour or $76 per day. The Insight, meanwhile, can be rented only by the hour, which Archambault said will help ensure a car is continually available at the location. It costs $7.75 per hour to rent.

Zipcar has had a presence in Seattle since it merged with Flexcar in 2008. Along with Redmond, the company currently has cars in Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma.

Archambault said Redmond's commitment to high-density, urban development was one of the main reasons Zipcar decided to establish a presence in the city. The city also has a demonstrated focus on alternative modes of transportation through its reputation as a bike- and pedestrian-friendly city, she said.

Zipcar would like to bring more vehicles to Redmond in the future, Archambault said.

"Redmond’s an extremely attractive market," she said. "It's a great location."

Red160 Apartments, a newly constructed complex with about 250 units, has been in the news recently for two other reasons: a and the unveiling of a new electric car charging station.

Nathaniel Stevens, a regional manager for Red160's parent company Equity Residential, said he's very pleased with the new services being offered at the complex.

"It's a big thing," he said. "We're excited."

For more information about Zipcar or to sign up for a membership, visit zipcar.com.