CAMBRIDGE, MA and SAN FRANCISCO - Zipcar, Inc. has launched a pilot cargo van sharing program in San Francisco. The company said it introduced the pilot program in the U.S. due to the success of a similar program in the U.K.

Ford E-150 cargo vans are now available in San Francisco for Zipcar members to reserve for hourly or daily use. Rates start at $14.75 per hour and $99 per day and include gas, insurance, parking, roadside assistance, and up to 180 miles of driving per day.

According to ZipCar, by early Jan. 2012, a total of 15 vehicles will be located throughout San Francisco and Oakland. Six vehicles will be located in pods of two each and placed at three existing Zipcar locations: Market St. at 15th St., 14th St. at Stevenson St. and Fell St. at Divisadero St. The company said it plans to expand the program over the next few months by placing nine more vans in additional San Francisco locations and in Oakland on 20th St. at Telegraph Ave. and Harrison St. at 15th St.

For more information, visit www.zipvan.com.