Wichita State University has 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 18 and older, as well as members of the local community 21 and over.
Wichita State will initially offer two vehicles, both Ford Focuses. The Zipcars will have designated parking spots in campus lot 7, located south of the Rhatigan Student Center, for pick-up and return.
“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 Wichita State University to give their community a transportation option to fit their needs and their wallet.”
Zipcar has established relationships with more than 400 universities across North America.
Affordable option for those without cars
This year, Wichita State students, faculty and staff can join for $15, 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. WSU students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar at www.zipcar.com/wichitastate.
Wichita State’s Director of Auxiliary Services Ellen Abbey has been the point person on this project.
“The idea was sent to me from Ryan Thorup in International Education,” said Abbey. “With the number of international students arriving on campus without any means of transportation, he thought this would be a great benefit. We are excited that Wichita State University will be the first university in Kansas to offer the Zipcar service.”
Participating members can download the Zipcar mobile application on iPhone and Android devices 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.
With the new Zipcar program available on campus, student organizations at Wichita State also now have the opportunity to participate in the “Students with Drive” grant program sponsored by Zipcar and Ford Motor Co., 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, go to www.zipcar.com/studentswithdrive.
For more information about Zipcar, go to www.zipcar.com.
