Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new partnership between Metro-North Railroad and Zipcar, a leading provider of vehicle sharing services, to launch a Hudson Valley Car Share initiative. Starting today, Zipcars will be available at nine Metro-North Railroad stations in the Hudson Valley so passengers can conveniently take a Zipcar from the station and easily travel to tourist destinations and other locations throughout the region.

"This new partnership will provide a convenient and economic travel option to allow New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the Mid-Hudson Valley, further boosting the region's tourism economy," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to take advantage of this program and experience this region's natural beauty and recreational options for themselves."

A total of 14 Zipcars are available now through the partnership including a Honda Civic, a Jeep Renegade and a Honda CR-V. The vehicles are parked at dedicated, clearly marked spaces at station lots, providing Metro-North customers with the ease and simplicity of stepping off the train, hopping into a Zipcar and conveniently continuing on to destinations beyond the station. Each Zipcar reservation includes gas, insurance, maintenance and 180 miles of driving per day.

Zipcars will be available at the following stations:

Harlem Line: North White Plains and Woodlawn

Hudson Line: Poughkeepsie and Beacon

New Haven Line: Port Chester, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Pelham and Mount Vernon East

In addition to the Metro-North stations, Zipcar provides access to thousands of vehicles in greater New York for reservation by the hour or day. Prospective members can join the service instantly though the Zipcar mobile app or online at www.zipcar.com/metro-north.

The availability of Zipcars at these stations is part of a new Metro-North program called Ride2Drive, which aims to encourage visitors to travel to the Hudson Valley and at the same time increase mobility to New Yorkers who don't own cars. Within the next year, the program is expected to expand to an additional 24 Metro-North stations in New York State, both east and west of the Hudson River.

“We are always seeking ways to make access to our stations easier and more convenient,” said Joseph Giulietti, President of Metro-North Railroad. “The ease of having Zipcars at our stations will add a new travel option and make our train service that much more attractive and competitive.”

"Zipcar’s partnership with Metro-North provides more people in more places with convenient access to a set of wheels," said Zipcar President Tracey Zhen. "Area visitors and residents now have all the benefits of car ownership without the cost or hassle at easy to access locations."

For up-to-the-minute Metro-North service info, customers can download the Metro-North Train Time app or sign up for Metro-North service alerts at www.mymtaalerts.com. They can also contact Metro-North Customer Service Center by calling 511, the New York State Travel Information Line, and saying: Metro-North Railroad. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, use your preferred relay service provider for the free 711 relay to reach Metro-North at 511.