The Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC), a national, public-interest organization working to foster collaboration in shared transportation and Zipcar, a global car sharing network, today announced Zipcar as the founding, champion-level Ally of SUMC's just-launched Trade Ally program.

The Trade Ally program will provide private sector operators and innovators with an opportunity to support SUMC's work, which focuses on bringing together a wide range of interests — including government, industry, non-governmental organizations and academics — to help guide the development of the shared mobility industry.

"Through piloting programs, conducting research and providing advice and expertise to cities and regions, SUMC hopes to extend the benefits of shared mobility for all," said SUMC Executive Director Sharon Feigon. "Zipcar's support at the highest level of our new Trade Ally program will help us continue our work to expand shared mobility and lessen emissions, lower transportation costs and improve public health in communities across the nation. We are thrilled to officially recognize Zipcar as a Trade Ally, and welcome the rest of the industry to join us and help create a diverse, comprehensive network of mobility options that works for all."

As a pioneer of the carsharing industry, Zipcar has remained true to its mission of "enabling simple and responsible urban living" while continuously innovating its service. Zipcar has routinely partnered with shared mobility operators in both the public and private sector to not only grow its service, but to enable more people in more places to access a variety of transit options.

"At Zipcar, we see ourselves as a vital part of the new transportation ecosystem that's reinventing the way people move in cities," said Zipcar President Kaye Ceille. "We believe that to realize our mission — to enable simple and responsible urban living — it's critically important that we partner with cities, policy makers, researchers and other shared mobility operators to support the overall growth of shared sustainable transportation. SUMC is an important forum for this collaboration and we're proud to invest in its work."

While SUMC operates in the public interest and is not an industry association or trade group, the organization works closely with private sector companies to advance shared mobility. Such collaboration is increasingly important as shared mobility evolves at a rapid pace, including new developments in carsharing, bikesharing, ride-sourcing and flexible transit.

In addition to supporting SUMC's work, Trade Allies also receive many benefits including ongoing connections to SUMC's expansive network of public and private sector leaders; recognition on SUMC's website and materials and regular updates on the latest trends and issues in shared mobility.

Companies can become Trade Allies at the Champion, Leader and Friend level. More information about SUMC's Trade Ally program is available at sharedusemobilitycenter.org/trade-allies.

The Shared-Use Mobility Center is dedicated to achieving universal, affordable and sustainable mobility in urban and metropolitan regions of the U.S. through the efficient sharing of transportation assets among peers and through third-party operators.

The center is focused on expanding U.S. mobility choices for people and communities by enriching and integrating shared-use mobility services through collaboration and innovation. For more information visit sharedusemobilitycenter.org.