Zipcar is expanding its car sharing availability by introducing a new membership pilot program in Chicago and making the Washington D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) one of the first housing authorities to bring residents car sharing.

The new “pay per month” membership option in Chicago allows drivers to test out the service or have access to the fleet without committing to Zipcar’s annual membership. Chicago residents opting to join Zipcar's new monthly membership plan will pay a $25 application and then a $6 per month membership fee. Members can add an additional member to their account for $3 per month.

The plan gives drivers more flexibility as they can join for as little as one month or they can switch to the annual plan at any time. Zipcar just launched a monthly pilot program in the city of Toronto, as well.

Local residents in the DCHA will also have access to alternative transportation with the addition of Zipcar services in the area.

Zipcar will have nine new car-sharing vehicles at DCHA locations by July 1. Today Zipcars can be found at the DCHA's Stoddert Terrace and Greenleaf Gardens sites. Zipcars can be reserved for an hour or for several days with rates as low as $8 per hour and $74 per day. DCHA residents must still sign up and pay the membership fee.