Duke U Provides Alternative to Car Ownership on Campus

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 01/13/09

Duke University has launched the Zipcar program at its campus. Four cars, including two hybrids, will be available at Duke through the program, providing campus members who are age 18 and older with a transportation alternative to keeping a car on campus. Zipcar rates start at $8 an hour or $66 per day. Fuel, maintenance, and insurance are included.

"Duke is committed to environmentally friendly transportation alternatives, and Zipcar's service is in line with the university's goal to provide more sustainable options to students, faculty, and staff," said Kemel Dawkins, VP for campus services. "This is the latest example of how Duke is working to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles on campus."

Duke senior Sunny Kantha, executive VP of the Duke Student Government, said Zipcars are especially convenient for students who can't or don't want to bring a car to campus. Kantha and other members of the student government and Duke Environmental Alliance encouraged the university to launch the Zipcar program.

"There are a lot of students who have really been looking forward to getting Zipcars on campus," said Kantha. "This will be a lot more convenient than having to ask a friend for a ride or to borrow their car. Plus, it's a great way to cut back on traffic and emissions on campus."

The Zipcar program has a $35 membership fee, which is applied as a credit toward rental in the first month. Members reserve use of the vehicles online or through mobile phones.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

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