While Vanderbilt prides itself on providing most student essentials on campus, some students are looking for more, and many see a Zipcar membership as the answer.
According to its Web site, Zipcar, which considers itself to be a green alternative, is a car sharing program through which students, faculty and staff can rent a car on an hourly or daily basis. Those affiliated with Vanderbilt pay $35 per calendar year, compared to the regular membership rate of $50, and then $7-10 an hour for use of one of the five cars available on campus. Hourly prices vary based on car, and the membership cost includes gas, the state minimum of insurance and maintenance. Currently, new members receive $35 worth of credit for their first month. Profits from the program go to Zipcar with Vanderbilt providing the company only with parking spaces.
Membership cards are used to open the vehicles and its key and a credit card, which members use to refill the tank, are inside the car. Students reserve cars by phone or online and are allowed 180 miles free per reservation. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance, and cars can be reserved for at least four days with no restrictions on location.
“We’re extremely pleased with the program,” said Manager of Traffic and Parking Lance Hale, who feels the program has exceeded Vanderbilt’s expectations.
Currently, 375 students, 75 faculty and staff members and some departments, including many affiliated with the medical center, participate in the program. According to Hale, the cars had a 26 percent usage rate in January; however, Hale recognizes that most students were not on campus for the first week.
“(The program) provides access to vehicles for our students,” said Hale. “Most rental car agencies will not rent to people under 21 years of age.” Students only need to be 18 years old to participate.
Assistant Manager of Traffic and Parking Tracy Owens does recognize that not all students get the most of their membership, but that it is based on their own choice.
“We have some very high users, and some very low users,” he said. He also said that if usage reaches a certain level, Zipcar will bring more cars to campus.
For the most part, students see the program as a benefit, especially for first-year students, who are not allowed to have cars on campus.
“Zipcars are really the only option for our own mode of transportation,” said freshman Hillary Knudson, who applied for a Zipcar membership. “Although many things are walking distance, it’s nice to just get out of the Vandy bubble.”
Upperclassmen without cars also see the value of Zipcars; however, those with cars largely prefer the ease of having their own car.
“After having a Zipcar (membership) for a year and a half now, I still think it’s nice to get off campus for a little, and, even though it costs a little bit of money, it’s nice to not have to depend on people,” said junior Becca Garden.
“For people who can’t have a car on campus, it’s a good alternative,” said junior Lacey Gorochow. “However, I like having my own car because it’s cheaper and more convenient.”
When Vanderbilt implemented the program in August 2008, it was the first organization to be part of the program in the state of Tennessee. Now, Belmont University has two cars, and Hale said it is his understanding that the city of Nashville is considering it as well.
