UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP WITH ZIPCAR

Posted on September 21, 2010

Cal U launched a new partnership with Zipcar Inc., providing the Cal U campus with access to the world's leading car-sharing service. The cost-effective and convenient transportation option is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all students, faculty and staff ages 18 and older. 

Zipcar is an environmentally friendly transportation alternative that takes 15 to 20 privately owned vehicles off the road. Fuel, 180 miles per day, insurance, reserved parking spots and roadside assistance are included in the hourly and daily Zipcar rates. Cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for as long as four days. Rates on all Cal U vehicles start as low as $8 per hour and $66 per day (24 hours).

The annual membership fee for anyone affiliated with Cal U is only $35, and Cal U applicants receive $35 worth of free driving credit applied toward their first month of driving.  Cal U students, faculty and staff can join at http://www.zipcar.com/calu, or by checking the Quick Links for "parking" at www.calu.edu.

"By bringing Zipcar to the Cal U campus, we're giving those students, faculty and staff who do not have access to a car the ability to run errands, take a shopping trip or drive home for the weekend," said Christine Kindl, director of Communications and Public Relations. "It's also helping to reduce the need for personal cars on campus, alleviating parking congestion and supporting our commitment to environmental sustainability." 

Cars are self service; they can be reserved easily and accessed 24 hours a day. Cal U's two Zipcars, one hybrid and one standard engine, will be located on Hickory Street between residence halls A and B. Zipcar even offers a fun and functional iPhone app that will honk the horn to locate a Zipcar and unlock the doors for members.

"We're confident that the Cal U community will benefit from the flexibility and cost-savings of our car-sharing program," said Matthew Malloy, vice president of Global University Operations at Zipcar. "Cal U Zipcar members not only will minimize the hassle and expense of owning a private vehicle, but will reduce their carbon footprint, as well."

Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 200 colleges and universities, including Bryn Mawr, Bucknell University, Dickinson College and LaSalle University. Zipcar utilizes a network of local vendors to service and clean its fleet.  

For more information, including how to enroll in Zipcar at Cal U, please visit: http://www.zipcar.com/calu.

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