On October 17, Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) hosted a joyful networking event at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar. Multifamily property managers from all over Arlington County joined us for great food and discussions about carsharing. The atmosphere was great, and it was clear that everyone was eager to connect and share their experiences. It was a mix of professionals who were new to the idea of carsharing and those who have already used it, which made for some really insightful conversations.
A big focus of the event was how carsharing plays a role in Transportation Demand Management (TDM) for multi-family communities. TDM is all about reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles and encouraging other ways to get around. Carsharing is a great fit for this because it gives residents access to cars when they need them, without the hassle of owning one. This kind of initiative not only cuts down on parking demands but also helps reduce traffic and emissions in Arlington.
One of the key takeaways that evening was how carsharing can really boost both resident and guest satisfaction. By offering Zipcar, property managers can provide an amenity that makes life easier for residents. Having access to a car when needed, without the responsibilities that come with owning one, is something a lot of people appreciate. It’s an affordable option for those who don’t want to buy a car but still need the convenience of having one every once in a while.
This not only helps with resident satisfaction but also makes the community more appealing to future tenants. It’s a simple way for property managers to add value to their buildings and offer something that can improve the overall experience of living there.
Another highlight of the evening was hearing from our guest speaker, Will Sowers from Zipcar, who shared a lot of valuable insights about how Zipcar is helping communities like the ones in Arlington. He talked about how Zipcar works in multi-family buildings and touched on a variety of topics that property managers care about, such as liability, gas coverage, rates, and how easy it is for residents to access a Zipcar vehicle using just their smartphone. It was clear that Will really understands the needs of both property managers and residents, and his presentation gave everyone a better idea of how simple it can be to implement a carsharing program.
Will’s presentation sparked a lot of great conversations afterward. Property managers were particularly interested in the practical details, like how insurance and liability are handled, the convenience of gas being included, and how Zipcar’s affordable rates could fit within their communities. The ability for residents to book and unlock a car using just their phone also caught a lot of attention, showing how easy and tech-friendly the system is. Will’s knowledge and experience in the industry left everyone feeling inspired about the possibilities of carsharing, and many property managers asked questions about how they could get started with Zipcar. Hearing how Zipcar has already made a difference in other communities really opened up the conversation about how it could benefit the properties represented at our event.
The sense of community and collaboration among guests was another big win. Property managers came together, not just to talk about carsharing, but to learn from each other and share their own experiences. This type of networking is important because it helps create stronger relationships and builds a support system for future projects. Property managers were able to walk away feeling more connected and with a clearer sense of how carsharing can benefit everyone.
Networking at Tupelo Honey was a great start, but it’s only the beginning. There’s so much potential to keep growing carsharing options in Arlington County, and we’re excited to see how these ideas develop in the future. For those who couldn’t make it to the event, don’t worry there will be more chances to get involved and learn about carsharing and other TDM initiatives that can make a big difference for your community.
At Arlington Transportation Partners, we’re dedicated to helping property managers bring carsharing and other transportation solutions to their communities. Whether you’re just starting to explore carsharing or looking to expand your existing program, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Reach out to us today to learn how we can help make your property more attractive and convenient for your residents. Let’s work together to create better living environments through innovative transportation solutions.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners