Zipcar is a program that allows students to rent and use cars that are located on campus. Zipcar is especially catered to colleges and universities as you only have to be 18 years old to participate. You can become a member for $25, and car rates start at $7.50 per hour, or $69 per day. These cost include gas, insurance, and 180 miles for the user to travel.

Jane Horvath, a Senior Advisor to President Harrison said, “Zipcar approached the university and asked us if we’d like to participate in the Zipcar program. And Kas [Officer Michael Kaselouskas] and I, from Public Safety, met with the Zipcar regional director and talked about how the program works, and what it would mean for our students, and how logistically it works. And we met with the president and he was all for it.”

Once someone has booked a Zipcar and has showed up to use it, he or she uses their card and a scanner to unlock the car. The keys are kept locked inside.

An event was held on Thursday, October 2 to introduce the new program. Many students, faculty, and staff showed up to hear the remarks of various speakers, including President Walter Harrison.

Joanna Naclerio, a junior at the event on Thursday, said, “I think a lot of people are gonna use them just from seeing like everyone stopping by today so I think it’ll be like a really big hit here.”

Another student, John Melton, a freshman, said, “I think that it’s a really great opportunity…I’m from Las Vegas so I can’t drive three thousand miles. I think it’s a really great opportunity especially at hourly rates so I don’t have to reserve the car all day if I don’t need it.”

Walter Harrison said, “I was delighted to learn that they’ve developed this program for colleges and universities and I was particularly delighted to learn that they have energy efficient cars, one of which is a hybrid. I think it’s, it’s just gonna be a great opportunity for students.”

For all questions surrounding Zipcar, visit their website at www.zipcar.com for a detailed FAQ page.