Living in a sprawling metropolis like Los Angeles offers numerous advantages, and one of them is the increasing viability of ditching car ownership. Thanks to a variety of Car Sharing Programs Los Angeles residents can now enjoy the flexibility of having a car when they need it without the burdens of ownership. These innovative services provide convenient car rental options scattered throughout the city, making it easier than ever to navigate LA without being tied to a personal vehicle.
You’ll find readily available pick-up and drop-off points for these car share services in key areas all over Los Angeles. Whether you’re in Downtown LA (DTLA), near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), close to major universities, bustling business centers, or vibrant entertainment districts, a car sharing option is likely within reach.
For residents opting for flexible living solutions like Blueground apartments, the convenience is amplified. Many Blueground locations are strategically situated within walking distance of car sharing hubs. These furnished apartments also enhance urban living with features like a Guest App, providing local insights and easy access to services like cleaning and maintenance.
Let’s delve into some of the leading car sharing programs Los Angeles has to offer, giving you a clearer picture of your on-demand car rental choices.
Zipcar
A pioneer in the car sharing industry, Zipcar has been serving urban populations since 2000, and Los Angeles is no exception. With a strong presence throughout the city, Zipcar boasts numerous pick-up and drop-off locations. Key areas include Downtown Los Angeles, near the busy Union Station Metro, the University of Southern California (USC) campus, LAX, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and various other prominent neighborhoods in LA.
Eligibility for Zipcar membership requires being 21 years or older (or 18 for students) and possessing a valid driver’s license. New users can explore the service with a 30-day free trial membership, allowing them to experience the benefits firsthand. Following the trial, a yearly membership costs $70, with rental rates starting competitively at around $10 per hour.
After completing the signup process for a trial membership, Zipcar typically takes one business day or more to validate your driver’s license. Once approved, your Zipcard will arrive by mail within three to seven business days. Upon activation of your Zipcard, you gain the ability to reserve vehicles online or through their user-friendly smartphone app. To access your reserved car, simply tap your Zipcard on the windshield reader to unlock the doors. The car keys will be readily available inside.
Zipcar Essential Guidelines
- Car Inspection: Before driving off, thoroughly inspect your Zipcar for any pre-existing damages, excessive dirt, or low fuel levels. Report any issues immediately to Zipcar.
- Car Cleanliness: Be considerate and tidy up the car after use. Remove all personal belongings and dispose of any trash.
- Fuel Policy: Ensure you return the car with at least a quarter tank of gas.
- No Smoking Policy: Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited in Zipcars. Violation will result in a fee.
- Pet Policy: If traveling with pets, they must be secured in a pet carrier at all times.
- Timely Returns: Return the Zipcar on time to avoid incurring a $50 late fee.
Zipcar Advantages
- Mileage Inclusion: You can drive up to 180 miles per day at no extra charge. Mileage beyond this is billed at $0.45 per mile.
- Fuel Convenience: Each Zipcar is equipped with a complimentary gas card for easy refueling.
- Insurance Coverage: Insurance is included in the rental cost, providing peace of mind.
BlueLA
Expanding the landscape of car sharing programs Los Angeles offers, BlueLA introduces an environmentally conscious option. This car share company distinguishes itself by providing a fleet composed entirely of electric vehicles (EVs), aligning with the city’s broader mobility and sustainability initiatives.
BlueLA is accessible to anyone over 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Membership grants 24/7 access to shared electric vehicles, seven days a week, offering unparalleled flexibility.
BlueLA operates on a station-based system. EV stations feature a user-friendly self-service kiosk and five designated parking spots on the street, each equipped with its own electric charger. A key advantage of BlueLA is its point-to-point system, allowing you to drop off the vehicle at a different BlueLA station than your pick-up location, adding to the convenience. Currently, BlueLA serves neighborhoods such as Westlake, Silverlake, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Downtown, Echo Park, Little Tokyo, and Chinatown.
BlueLA Membership Plans
- Trial Membership: Priced at $0.40 per minute with a minimum charge of $6, or 15 minutes, ideal for occasional users.
- Standard Membership: Involves a monthly billing of $5, totaling $60 annually. Rental rates under this plan are $0.20 per minute with a minimum charge of $3, or 15 minutes, offering cost savings for regular users.
Getaround
Getaround presents a unique model among car sharing programs Los Angeles residents can utilize. It functions as a peer-to-peer car sharing platform where individuals list their personal vehicles for rent. A notable feature is the absence of monthly or annual membership fees, making it a pay-as-you-go service.
Users can browse a wide selection of cars through the Getaround mobile app. Rentals can be scheduled by the hour or by the day, catering to various trip durations.
Upon your initial rental, Getaround will verify your driver’s license and credit card details. This verification process is typically instantaneous, ensuring minimal wait time. All vehicles rented through Getaround include comprehensive insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance, providing security and support throughout your rental period.
Getaround Key Features
- Flexible Booking: Rent a car precisely when needed and extend your reservation directly from your smartphone if your plans change.
- Getaround Connect™: Utilize the Getaround Connect™ key feature to conveniently unlock the car using your phone. The car keys are located inside the vehicle, enabling a seamless start to your trip.
- Advanced Search Filters: The app offers a range of filters to refine your search and quickly find a vehicle that meets your specific needs.
- Direct Owner Communication: Access all essential information for car pick-up, including the car owner’s contact details, directly through the Getaround app for smooth coordination.
- Apple Pay Integration: For users with newer iPhone models, Apple Pay offers a streamlined payment option for rental costs.
Maven (Note: Service Discontinued)
Launched by General Motors in 2016, Maven was another entrant in the car sharing programs Los Angeles market, aiming to simplify the rental experience. Maven featured a diverse fleet encompassing well-equipped cars, electric vehicles, SUVs, and trucks, all accessible for rent via their app.
Maven stood out by eliminating application fees and annual membership fees, offering a commitment-free car sharing option. Rentals could be booked by the hour or day, with rates starting from approximately $8 per hour, plus applicable taxes.
To access a Maven vehicle, users employed their smartphone to unlock and start the car. Vehicle returns were required at the original pick-up location. Ending a rental was as straightforward as pressing the “End Trip” button within the Maven app.
Maven Service Highlights
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Rental costs included fuel and car insurance coverage (subject to a $1,000 deductible).
- Fuel Cards Provided: Gas cards were available inside each vehicle for refueling during rentals.
- Smart Car Technology: Integrated technology in each car facilitated hands-free navigation, calling, and texting, along with in-car music streaming capabilities.
- Round-the-Clock Availability: Maven vehicles were accessible for rent 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering constant availability.
In Conclusion
Car sharing programs Los Angeles provides are transforming urban transportation. By offering convenient, cost-effective, and flexible alternatives to traditional car ownership, services like Zipcar, BlueLA, and Getaround are making it easier than ever to navigate the city on your own terms. Whether you need a car for a quick errand, a day trip, or something in between, these programs offer a diverse range of vehicles and membership options to suit your needs, contributing to a more sustainable and accessible Los Angeles.
