LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 22, 2010) - The University of Kentucky Car Sharing Program debuts today, offering students and employees a short-term car rental option. UK Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) has teamed up with Connect by Hertz car sharing company to offer this new service to campus. The car sharing program requires membership, which will be free for a year under an introductory offer.
The UK Car Sharing Program provides an hourly, daily and weekly rate for use of a car, and, unlike traditional car rental services, the minimum age allowed to use the car sharing program is 18 with a valid driver's license and a good driving record. Rates start at $8 an hour and include 180 miles per day. Gas and insurance are included in the cost.
The basic membership includes a $25 application fee and a $50 annual membership fee, but both fees will be waived for the first year for people who enroll before May 15, 2010. Other promotional discounts are possible at special times of the year. Although the membership will be free for the first year, the application process includes providing credit or debit card information; any future car rental will be charged to that card.
PTS Director Don Thornton says car sharing is a fast growing trend in cities and on college campuses around the country. Among the several college campuses using Connect by Hertz are Ohio State University, University of Maryland and University of Arizona.
"We wanted to bring this service to the University of Kentucky because of its convenience for users and its environmental friendliness," Thornton said. "This is a great option for students who live on campus but don't want to bring their own cars here or for employees who use alternative transportation or want to avoid wear and tear on their personal vehicles."
The cars used in the program are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay certified green vehicles, which means they are superior environmental performers relative to other vehicles. SmartWay certification means a car has scored a 6 or above on the EPA's air pollution and greenhouse gas scales of 1-10.
UK Sustainability Coordinator Shane Tedder says the car sharing program is another step toward becoming a less car-dependent, more environmentally responsible campus.
"Through this program, PTS is providing faculty, staff and students who choose to commute to campus on foot, by bike, by public transportation or carpooling with a very convenient option for responding to unexpected situations where they need to get somewhere fast," Tedder said. "Hopefully this new option will lead to an increase in commuting via alternative transportation.”
Six UK Car Sharing Program cars are available on campus in these locations: Administration Drive near the Student Center (one car); Martin Luther King E lot (two cars); Kentucky Clinic (one car); and Woodland and Hilltop (two cars). The cars have permanent spaces reserved for them and are identified by special signs.
The late model, fuel efficient cars, which can be unlocked with a membership card, include all the regular amenities as well as a GPS, an in-car communication system with the Member Care Center, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a fuel card. Members can reserve vehicles via phone or Internet. Fees will be assessed for violating terms of the reservation agreement and for reissuing lost membership cards.
The application for membership is online. A valid driver's license, a valid credit or debit card, and proof of address are needed to enroll. Driving records also will be evaluated to determine qualification for membership. Membership cards will be mailed to members within a week to 10 days of successful application.
More information on the University of Kentucky Car Sharing Program and the online application are available at www.uky.edu/parking/car-sharing.html.
