Florida Gulf Coast University has partnered with Zipcar, the world’s leading car-sharing network, to offer an alternative transportation option on campus. The service is available at hourly and daily rates seven days a week for students, faculty and staff 18 and older, as well as members of the local community 21 and older.
A Ford C-MAX Hybrid and a Ford Escape are parked in designated spots in lot 5 near the Cohen Center for pickup and return. Cars are available on demand and can be reserved and accessed 24 hours a day.
This year, FGCU members can join for $25, with driving rates starting as low as $7.50 per hour and $69 per day. After the first year, the annual membership fee will be $35. Gas, insurance and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days. More details here.
FGCU Environmental Health and Safety orchestrated the partnership as part of its mission to support the university’s teaching, research and public service initiatives by promoting a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for students, employees and visitors.
“We are very excited to have Zipcar available at FGCU. Car sharing is a proven strategy for saving money, decreasing traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rhonda Holtzclaw, Director of Environmental Health and Safety. “This unique program will give the university community, Southwest Florida residents and tourists more transportation options locally, as well as offer members 21 and older access to the thousands of Zipcar vehicles around the globe.”
Zipcar operates in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Austria, Canada, France, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. 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 online.
Participating colleges and universities also are eligible for the Students with Drive grant program, through which the Ford Motor Co. and Zipcar will award $200,000 in grants to student organizations. The program runs through April 2016 and will culminate with a grand prize worth $25,000 in scholarships, cash and Zipcar driving. For more information here.
For more details about FGCU’s Zipcar program, go here or contact Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Coordinator Katie Leone at (239) 590-1507 or [email protected]. Additional information and promotions can also be found by following @ZipcarU on Twitter.