HONOLULU (KHON2) — Zipcar, the nation’s first car-sharing network, is marking its 25th anniversary with a deal that will make Honolulu drivers look twice.
The company announced its “Silver Anniversary Free Spree” to offer a deep discount that means some rides will cost absolutely nothing.
A spokesperson for ZipCar said on Tuesday, Nov. 11, one in eight Zipcars in Honolulu — and one in 20 across the United States — will be free to book for use the following day, Tuesday, Nov. 12.
All members need to do to get in on the prize is to open the Zipcar app and search for cars marked with a gem icon and $0 pricing. Those vehicles can be reserved for errands, appointments or quick getaways without paying a cent.
A smarter way to drive
The spokesperson said car ownership costs have climbed to more than $12,000 a year in the U.S. As repossession rates rise and “buy nothing December” approaches, the promotion comes at a time when many households are cutting back.
According to Zipcar’s own estimates, driving one of its cars is 85% less expensive than owning a vehicle. The company reported that members save about $1,173 each month — nearly $14,000 a year — compared to car owners.
The spokesperson also said Zipcar’s internal data show that 56% of members joined to avoid the high costs of ownership. For households earning under $25,000 annually, thirty-eight percent of monthly expenses go toward transportation when owning a vehicle.
Without car ownership, that number drops to 5%, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
How to guide
Access without the hassle
A membership with ZipCar provides 24/7 access to cars by the hour, day or week. The price includes gas or electric charging, insurance options, maintenance and a dedicated parking spot.
The company offers options for university students, professionals and businesses across Oʻahu to make it easy to grab a car for a campus errand or weekend adventure.
Joining is simple. Applicants 21 and older — or 18 for university students or where legally allowed — apply online, verify a driver’s license and can start booking within minutes. Cars range from sedans and SUVs to vans and luxury vehicles, all maintained and ready to go.
“We want to make it easier for people to live car-free,” according to Zipcar’s materials. “That means affordable access to a car when you need it, and no responsibilities when you don’t.”
The “Silver Anniversary Free Spree” gives Honolulu members something rare and a way to drive for free while celebrating 25 years of car sharing, sustainability and smarter living.