Spring Break
The Daily OrangeRental car service available to students next week
By Lena Budd
Posted: 10/6/08, 12:37 AM EST Section: News
Syracuse University students can rent a car on campus beginning next week.
Zipcar, a car-sharing company, currently has two vehicles, a Honda Civic and Toyota Matrix, stored at 285 Ainsley Drive. The cars will be available for $9 an hour or $65 a day to students who pay a $35 annual fee.
Allan Breese, SU's director of business and facilities maintenance services, said in an e-mail he hopes the program will lower the demand for on-campus parking, decongest campus roads and parking lots and increase carpooling. He said the option of renting a car should lower the need for students to bring vehicles to campus.
"If the program turns out to be successful, consideration will certainly be given to expanding it," Breese wrote in an e-mail. "I think the program is very exciting and could potentially provide many sustainable results."
The annual fee allows a student to receive a Zipcard from the company. Then, either online or by phone, students can find out if a car is available to rent and reserve it. Within 10 minutes, a signal is sent to the car, and the student can wave his or her Zipcard in front of the car sensor to unlock the doors. The rental contract permits students to drive 180 miles, and gasoline is included.
Zipcar's services do come with restrictions. Though there's no minimum age to rent a car, the student must be a licensed driver for at least two years. Smoking in the vehicle is prohibited, as is allowing someone who is not the cardholder to drive the car. The driver is responsible for all tolls, fines or tickets and will be charged at least $50 for returning the car late.
Zach Lotker, a junior environmental science major, said he would use the program if he felt he needed a car on campus. Lotker identified himself as the program's target demographic, because he has a license but doesn't have a car.
Chris Benson, a freshman film major, also said he would be interested in renting from the program.
"It's actually cheaper than what I pay for insurance," Benson said. "So it's actually better than having a car, period."
lbbudd@syr.edu
Zipcar, a car-sharing company, currently has two vehicles, a Honda Civic and Toyota Matrix, stored at 285 Ainsley Drive. The cars will be available for $9 an hour or $65 a day to students who pay a $35 annual fee.
Allan Breese, SU's director of business and facilities maintenance services, said in an e-mail he hopes the program will lower the demand for on-campus parking, decongest campus roads and parking lots and increase carpooling. He said the option of renting a car should lower the need for students to bring vehicles to campus.
"If the program turns out to be successful, consideration will certainly be given to expanding it," Breese wrote in an e-mail. "I think the program is very exciting and could potentially provide many sustainable results."
The annual fee allows a student to receive a Zipcard from the company. Then, either online or by phone, students can find out if a car is available to rent and reserve it. Within 10 minutes, a signal is sent to the car, and the student can wave his or her Zipcard in front of the car sensor to unlock the doors. The rental contract permits students to drive 180 miles, and gasoline is included.
Zipcar's services do come with restrictions. Though there's no minimum age to rent a car, the student must be a licensed driver for at least two years. Smoking in the vehicle is prohibited, as is allowing someone who is not the cardholder to drive the car. The driver is responsible for all tolls, fines or tickets and will be charged at least $50 for returning the car late.
Zach Lotker, a junior environmental science major, said he would use the program if he felt he needed a car on campus. Lotker identified himself as the program's target demographic, because he has a license but doesn't have a car.
Chris Benson, a freshman film major, also said he would be interested in renting from the program.
"It's actually cheaper than what I pay for insurance," Benson said. "So it's actually better than having a car, period."
lbbudd@syr.edu
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