Aug 24 2008
When students come back for classes at the University of Miami in late August, a new transportation option will be available to them called Zipcar, an innovative car-sharing program that allows members to reserve cars online or via phone or mobile device for an hourly rate of $8 that includes gas and insurance.
Zipcar, the world's largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, which is currently being utilized by 80 universities, allows members to pay an annual fee of $35, and have the flexibility to have a fuel efficient vehicle without actually owning or leasing a car -- or paying for insurance or gasoline.
That's especially helpful for freshmen residents at UM, who are not able to bring their cars to campus for the first time this fall.
"Student Government is thrilled that the University will offer this new option, allowing students the opportunity to easily move around Miami and see everything that it has to offer," said Brandon Gross, who petitioned the administration to explore this option in his position as President of Student Government. "Students can travel off campus to attend interviews, run errands, or take a weekend trip, and they don't have to spend money on the upkeep of their own car."
UM faculty and staff on all campuses can use this new service which will translate into fewer cars, said Alan Fish, Vice President for Business Services, who oversees the "Green U" campus sustainability program at UM. "The partnership with Zipcar continues UM's commitment to invest in sustainable solutions on campus, and gives students, faculty and staff an environmentally friendly way of getting around," said Fish. To get a Zipcar membership, visit http://www.zipcar.com/umiami.
Among the universities that have partnered with Zipcar to reduce traffic, noise and parking demands are MIT, Columbia, Georgetown, Rutgers, Harvard University, American University, University of Toronto, and the University of North Carolina.