Zipcar has expanded into Providence, R.I. The company's new car sharing program will provide a number of vehicles to residents, city employees, visitors, students, and businesses.

Zipcar said it plans to offer vehicles including the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Matrix, Scion xB, and Honda Insight, among others. The company said vehicles will be available throughout the City and near local university campuses.

"Providence's partnership with Zipcar is a significant step towards our goal of providing a greener and more sustainable environment for our residents. It is also a great example of increased business expansion into Providence and a boost to our local economy through job creation," said Providence's Mayor Angel Taveras. "Zipcar is already popular with the Providence community through its program with local universities, and we believe that by expanding the availability of car sharing throughout the city, we are providing convenient transportation options that will not only reduce the city's demand for parking, but also aid in reducing harmful emissions."

Zipcar said it is also launching a new "Zipcar for Business" program for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island with the stated goal of helping these organizations save money, meet sustainability goals, and reduce parking requirements by providing access to Zipcar vehicles for meetings and other business-related trips.

"For several years, the Providence Foundation has encouraged the creation of a car sharing program in this market, and we are excited that Zipcar has launched in downtown Providence," said Daniel Baudouin, executive director, The Providence Foundation. "Residents and employees of local businesses now have increased transportation choices, which are both cost-effective and green, and can be easily combined. Workers can now take public transit to work and use a Zipcar for business meetings when needed, cutting costs for both individuals and local companies, while also helping the environment."