ZIPCAR PROGRAM PROVIDES ALTERNATIVE TO OWNING CAR
406 words
23 February 2010
US Fed News
INDFED
English
Copyright 2010. HT Media Limited. All rights reserved.
RIVERSIDE, Calif., Feb. 22 -- The University of California at Riverside issued the following press release:
For many commuters "I need my car during the day" is a stock response for why they do not use alternative transportation in their commute to UCR But that excuse may not fly anymore.
In an attempt to reduce traffic congestion, parking problems and improve air quality, UCR has partnered with Zipcar, the world's largest car-sharing service, to offer four-fuel efficient car-sharing vehicles that are available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cars are located in reserved spaces in parking lots 1 and 15.
To take advantage of the service, faculty, staff and students pay an annual membership fee of $35. Rental fees are $8 per hour or $66 per day on weekdays, and $9 per hour or $72 per day on weekends.
Gas, insurance, 180 driving miles, reserved parking and roadside assistance are included in rates.
In addition, members 21 and older have access to Zipcar's network of more than 6,500 vehicles throughout the U.K. and North America.
Local residents not associated with UCR who are ages 21 and older can join for $75, which includes a $25 one-time application fee and $50 annual fee. The service is designed to help UCR manage the increasing demand for parking and associated congestion, while also offering a convenient, economical and environmentally friendly alternative to owning a car, said Mike Delo, director of transportation and parking services.
"We are hoping that the Zipcar program will convince some people that they do not need to bring a vehicle to campus," said Delo. "These cars can be used for a doctor's appointment or to run errands during the day, for a pleasure trip to the beach or in the case of students who live on campus, a trip home for the weekend."
Zipcar, which has been offering campus car sharing since 2002, has programs at more than 120 colleges and universities across the country including MIT, Columbia, Georgetown, American University, Harvard University, University of Minnesota, University of Toronto, University of North Carolina, The University of Chicago, UCLA and Amherst.
For more information, including how to join UCR's Zipcar program, is available at www.zipcar.com/ucr.
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