The Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC), a public-interest organization focused on shared transportation, has named Zipcar as the founding, champion-level member of its new 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 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 Sharon Feigon, SUMC executive director. "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."

Zipcar has partnered with shared mobility operators in both the public and private sector to not only grow its service, but to also 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 Kaye Ceille, Zipcar’s president. "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."

For more information, visit www.sharedusemobilitycenter.org/trade-allies.