RMU Launches Car-Sharing Program With Zipcar

PITTSBURGH (KDKA0 - Students, staff, and faculty at Robert Morris University now have a new way to get around.

The school just launched a car-sharing program on campus.

A lot of students at Robert Morris University don't have cars on campus, which can make running errands a bit of a challenge.

Now, getting out and about will be a little easier.

Beginning today, students will be able to use either a Ford Focus or a Ford Escape.

The vehicles are parked on campus thanks to a partnership between RMU and the car sharing network, Zipcar.

"This enables students, faculty, and staff to get in and around Pittsburgh," Russell Eury from RMU said.

A Zipcar representative was in the food court today spreading the word and explaining the program to students.

Here's how it works:

Students have to register online through Zipcar.

They pay $25 to join. Then, they can reserve a car for as low as $7.50 per hour and $69 bucks a day.

Students who don't have their own cars say having access to a vehicle will be a big help. Now, they won't have to be at the mercy of friends or roommates.

"It's really inconvenient, especially if you need to go get prescriptions or if you want to go to the mall. You have to find somebody to take you or wait for a bus trip to go," Rebekah Landers said.

Julianna Smith, who is still in high school and deciding where to attend college, says having access to a car would be a definite perk.

"I think it would be so convenient for any campus because most college kids don't have the money to get a car and most of them don't have a lot of money, period. So, it would be easier," Smith said.

Zipcar has partnerships with more than 300 universities, including local schools like Pitt, Duquesne, and Carnegie Mellon.

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