A new joint agreement between AU and Zipcar gives students age 18 and older a chance to use nearby rental cars.
Until recently, customers had to be 21 or older to use Zipcars located in the Nebraska Parking Lot, according to Student Government President Nate Bronstein.
Zipcar is a vehicle rental service that students with a year of driving experience can use for a monthly fee. A student can sign up for the service through Zipcar or the University’s websites.
George Washington University launched a similar pilot program in the fall of 2007. It was Zipcar’s first ever under-21 urban-setting system of its kind, The Eagle previously reported.
Rates for Zipcar start with a $35 enrollment fee, and driving rates start from $7 an hour or $69 per day, according to company’s website.
There is a $35 annual fee every year after a driver enrolls. A day with a Zipcar includes gas, insurance and 180 free miles, with 45 cents for each additional mile over 180 miles, according to the Zipcar website.
Former SG President Andy MacCracken made many attempts to achieve a similar program for AU students last year, supplementing efforts made by SG presidents before him.
The latest change to Zipcar’s AU policy makes it a third viable option for getting around without having to pay for having a vehicle on campus. Students could also use AUTO vans or Avis rental cars.
Student groups can use Avis rental cars for organization travel.
Bronstein said he is excited about this service.
“In a lot of ways it represents the completion of a broader transportation initiative the past presidents and myself have been working on,” he said.
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