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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority recently received 10 Honda Civic Hybrids from Flexcar, Metro’s car-sharing provider, to offer at Metrorail stations.



Powered by gasoline and electricity, the hybrid vehicles are designed to reduce emissions and burn less fuel. Car-sharing program members driving the hybrid cars will receive benefits as well — vehicles with the hybrid license plates can use HOV lanes in Virginia regardless of how many passengers are in the car, providing easier access to busy highways, such as I-66 and I-395.



Flexcar also is adding keyless entry to its vehicles. Members will receive a SmartCard to wave in front of a rear window target, enabling he or she to enter the car and retrieve the ignition key. SmartCard also will record the member’s vehicle usage.



Launched late last year, the car-sharing program includes more than 40 vehicles serving 24 Metrorail stations that can be rented by the hour 24/7. About 1,700 riders have used the program.