Today, University of Michigan-Dearborn launched a new partnership with Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing network, to offer a Zipcar car-sharing program on campus. The transportation option now is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty, and staff ages 18 and older, as well as members of the local community ages 21 and over.
UM-Dearborn initially will offer two vehicles, a Ford Escape and a Ford Fiesta. The Zipcars have designated parking spots at The Union at Dearborn, located adjacent to campus, for pick-up and return.
UM-Dearborn members can join this year for $15, with rates for Zipcar vehicles on campus starting as low as $5.50 per hour and $55 per day. After the first year, members will pay an annual membership fee of $25. 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.
“We are thrilled to partner with Zipcar to offer a cost-effective, convenient and sustainable alternative form of transportation to campus this fall,” said Jeff Evans, vice chancellor for business affairs, UM-Dearborn. “We believe UM-Dearborn students, faculty and staff will find the fast, easy access to Zipcar to be a great resource.”
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 on Zipcar’s website.
“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 the University of Michigan-Dearborn to give their community a transportation option to fit their needs and their wallet.”
With the new Zipcar program available on campus, student organizations at UM-Dearborn also now have the opportunity to participate in the “Students with Drive” grant program sponsored by Zipcar and Ford Motor Company, 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.
