CLEMSON — Clemson University launched a new partnership with Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing network, to offer a Zipcar car sharing program on campus. The convenient transportation option is now available at an affordable rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty, and staff ages 18 and older, as well as members of the local community ages 21 and over.
Clemson will initially offer six vehicles. The Zipcars will have designated parking spots located in campus lots near Sikes Hall, Sirrine Hall, Thornhill Village, Fike and Bryan Circle for convenient pick-up and return.
This year, Clemson University members can join for $25, with rates for Zipcar vehicles on campus starting as low as $7.50 per hour and $69 per day. After the first year, members will pay an annual membership fee of $35.
Gas, insurance, and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days. Clemson students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar at www.zipcar.com/clemson.
“We are glad to have Zipcar on Clemson’s campus to help us advance our transportation demand management initiatives and provide an alternative to bringing a car to campus for students, faculty and staff,” said Katerina Moreland, senior associate director of Parking and Transportation Services. “Zipcar’s car sharing program gives freedom and flexibility to its users while proving that you don’t need a car to enjoy Clemson University.”
Participating members with smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, may download the Zipcar mobile application to make reservations, lock and unlock the vehicles and honk the horn to help locate the vehicle. Reservations can also be made over the phone or on Zipcar’s website.
“The Zipcar program on campus gives students, faculty and staff the freedom of using a car without the hassles of owning one,” said Katelyn Bushey, Zipcar director of university sales. “We’re happy to partner with Clemson University to give their community a transportation option to fit their needs and their wallet.”
With the new Zipcar program available on campus, student organizations at Clemson also now have the opportunity to participate in the “Students with Drive” grant program sponsored by Zipcar and Ford Motor Company, which provides students with Zipcar membership and driving credit to support student organizations on campus.
Through the Students with Drive grant program, Ford and Zipcar will provide $200,000 in grants to be awarded to student organizations at eligible Zipcar colleges and universities.
The program is running now through April 2016 and will culminate with a grand prize worth $25,000 in scholarships, cash, and Zipcar driving. For more information and to participate in the program, students can visit www.zipcar.com/studentswithdrive.