Flexcar, the fabulous car sharing program now in several major cities including Seattle, is raising its rates by $1/hour starting October 1. My reaction: It's about time! Given gas price increases and steady expansion of the program with dozens of cars everywhere, I'm surprised it took them this long.

Also, members who have joined after October 1, 2003, will have to pay a $25 annual fee. Members who joined before that date are exempt, so if you've been thinking about getting a membership, now is the time. Until October 1 it's only a one-time payment of $25, then you can stay on the "Standard" plan with no monthly fee, pay as you use, while you try it out.

Too bad houses in FlexCar (urban) neighborhoods tend to cost half a million dollars...