The demand for a car-sharing program on campus is finally being met starting this semester with Zipcar, the 24/7 car-sharing program.
“Both CSU and Creighton administrators thought that this would be a great alternative for students who don’t have means of transportation,” said Business senior Dillon Miskimins, CSU president.
Creighton students who are 18 or older, faculty, staff and members of the community are all eligible to participate in this program.
“The service is great for students that may be living on campus without their own vehicle,” Creighton’s vice president of administration, John Wilhelm said. “Zipcar is present on over 120 college campuses and in many large metropolitan cities.”
The Zipcar program makes it easier for Creighton students to run errands, go to community service sites and go grocery shopping. The program requires a membership and you can get your Zipcard faster if you fill out an online application. The Zipcard is the special membership card that students use to gain access into the vehicle.
“Zipcar makes the process of having transportation convenient and affordable. It might take some time for the community to understand the process of becoming a member and reserving the cars, but I think as we continue to get the word out; the program will become more and more popular,” Miskimins said.
The membership at Creighton is $35. As a a Zipcar member, participants get $35 worth of free driving which will go to the first month of driving. Right now, there are two vehicles that are available: a Toyota Prius, which is a hybrid, and a Scion xB.
More cars may be added if there is demand. The cost of driving both the Prius and the xB is $8 an hour and $66 per day during the week and $9 an hour and $72 per day on weekends. Gas, insurance and a free 180 miles are included.
Wilhelm said the program is not just beneficial for students.
“The program fits into the university’s approach to sustainability. The more students that may elect to leave their cars at home and use Zipcars will help reduce the campus’s carbon footprint and ease parking and traffic congestion,” Wilhelm said.
Video courtesy Creighton University Media Relations