LA attempting to re-court Zipcar
It appears that Los Angeles is trying to get Zipcar back. The nation’s second largest city is reportedly debating whether or not to give free parking in neighborhoods near the two LA colleges Zipcar still has cars: USC and UCLA. The move would possibly give a second chance at carsharing in LA.
Flexcar, after the Zipcar merger but prior to the integration, pulled out of San Diego and LA, save for its revenue-guaranteed college locations, back in February. Between the two cities, it had about 800 members, and 40 cars in each city.
A lot has changed since then. Gas has shot up about 50% in the LA area(although it is starting to come down), the economy has soured a bit, and people are realizing they need to reign in costs.
Zipcar may be able to make a strong second showing and grow the market. This time, they can grow organically starting near the colleges where they have a memberbase established. Their X factor will be whether their previous members will come back to them; many of them may not want to be left high and dry a second time.
Does Zipcar have what it takes to return to LA? Respond in the forum.
(photo credit: Nserrano)
Filed under: Zipcar