Seattlest: Rental-Shmental

guest

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:45:08 -0800

A simialr issue faces the Co-operative Auto Network, up the coast in Vancouver. Kevin | CarSharing.net

guest

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:04:31 -0800

@1, no, the state DoR is simply enforcing the existing tax code. As #2 points out, Flexcar membership is de facto anyone who can pay. I also don't have much sympathy for those who claim Flexcar is car "sharing" rather than car rental -- that argument is equally ridiculous since members don't have ownership stakes in the vehicles. That said, Flexcar is certainly a laudable company, and I have no doubt the guv will seek to grant an official exemption -- it's contradictory to state, county, and city policy goals. Should the tax continue to apply to Flexcar, it would also be more difficult to raise in the future, as it would affect a local constituency.

guest

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:46:58 -0800

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's my understanding that Flexcar's "membership" requirements are simply fees. It's not like you have to be recommended by an existing member or an employee of a certain organization (a la the old BECU). For all intents and purposes, its membership is anyone willing to pay (a la Costco).

velo

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:29:26 -0800

Very well said. This seems almost unbelievable to me -- is the state trying to encourage people not to use car-sharing? I thought this was a Blue State?