University of Miami Brings Zipcar on Campus

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 08/29/08

When students come back for classes at the University of Miami (UM) this month, a new transportation option will be available to them. Zipcar is a car-sharing program that allows members to reserve cars online or via phone or mobile device for an hourly rate of $8, which includes gas and insurance.

Zipcar is currently in use by 80 universities. Members pay an annual fee of $35, which gives them access to fuel efficient vehicles without 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, VP for Business Services, who oversees the "Green U" campus sustainability program at the school. "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."

Earlier in August, Arizona State University said it was expanding its Zipcar program from its Tempe campus to its downtown Phoenix campus.