Have no car, will travel

I-GO (igocars.com)
City of origin The nonprofit I-GO program started in Chicago in March 2002 by the Center for Neighborhood Technology. The company utilizes the large database of Flexcar, the first for-profit car-sharing company in the nation (based in Portland, Oregon), but otherwise operates independently, funded mainly by government grants.

The vehicles To serve its close to 5,500 members, I-GO’s 150 cars are all low-emission Toyota Priuses and Matrixes; Honda Fits, Civics, Civic Hybrids and Elements.

Price $75 to join, and $25 annual renewal fee. The basic plan includes use of the cars for $6 an hour, plus 50 cents a mile. In the true spirit of car sharing, the I-GO program was not designed for members to borrow cars for long trips, though an all-day day rate is available.

What’s included Gas, a permanent parking spot, premium insurance, maintenance, 24-hour assistance and a national network that allows access to Flexcars in 12 other cities, including L.A. and Washington, D.C.

Locations More than 30 neighborhoods throughout the city, as well Evanston and Oak Park. The cars are parked in designated spots—the bigger ’hoods have more cars; for example, Lakeview has 20.

Reservations CEO Sharon Feigon says members can reserve the cars instantaneously, and up to a year in advance, using an online- or a phone-reservation system. According to the I-GO website, most people use the cars two to four hours at a time, about three to four times a month.

Smoking? Pets? No smoking; pets are allowed if locked in carriers.

Zipcar (zipcar.com)
City of origin This for-profit company started outside of Boston in 1999 and has since expanded to 12 other areas, including New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Toronto.

The vehicles This year-old program has grown to include more than 200 cars in its fleet. There are more than 20 models available, including the eco-friendly Prius, but also SUVs, MINI Coopers, Mustang convertibles and even BMWs. (Rates vary per type
of car.)

Price $50 annual fee, plus a $25 application fee. The car rates start at $9 an hour and $66 a day. There are no mileage fees for driving less than 125 miles in a 24-hour period. Members who drive farther are charged 30 cents a mile (40 cents for the premium cars).

What’s included Gas, parking, basic insurance, maintenance, 24-hour assistance and access to Zipcars in the aforementioned markets.

Locations There are nearly 100 spots to pick up Zipcars throughout the city, in 19 different neighborhoods and subneighborhoods.

Reservations Reservations can be made within minutes of when you need a car, or months in advance—either online or with an automated phone system (members are charged extra when making a reservation with an operator). The cars can be used for as little as an hour, or up to three days at a time.

Smoking? Pets? No smoking; pets are allowed if locked in carriers.