URI Launches New Car Sharing Program
Thursday, March 03, 2011
The URI Student Senate has partnered with Connect by Hertz to launch a new car sharing program designed to provide affordable transportation for students and other members of the URI community.
Four cars, provided by Hertz, are now parked in designated spaces on the Kingston campus and can be reserved online for about $8 per hour or $62 per day. Gasoline and insurance are included in the price.
"[The program] will decrease our carbon footprint, lower the number of cars on campus, save students money, and increase the ability for everyone to get around," said Anthony Sinapi, chair of the Student Senate's Campus Affairs committee.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTo participate in the program, interested parties aged 18 or older with a valid driver's license can register online to receive a membership card. After reserving a vehicle online, they need only to swipe their membership card over the car's windshield to unlock the vehicle. The cars — Ford Fusion, Toyota Yaris, and Toyota Rav4 SUV — are equipped with GPS, 24-hour roadside assistance, anti-theft security systems, Bluetooth for wireless devices, and push-button access to a "member care center."
"We're grateful to the students for initiating this great opportunity," said Marsha Garcia, URI director of sustainability. "On demand access to a shared car on campus will make it easier for everyone, especially student residents, to leave their personal car at home. It will help reduce our carbon footprint and make the university a more sustainable place to work and study."
URI is one of 44 universities nationwide participating in the Connect by Hertz car sharing program. The program also operates in many major U.S. cities, as well as in Madrid, Berlin, London, and Paris.
