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New Zipcar Vehicle-Sharing at Penn

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November 9, 2010, Volume 57, No. 11

The University of Pennsylvania has joined with Zipcar Inc. to offer students, staff and faculty another convenient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation option.

“In September 2009, Penn launched its Climate Action Plan, which outlines the University’s goals for lowering its carbon footprint,” Marie Witt, vice president of business services, said. “A key focus of this plan is our sustainable transportation initiative aimed at lowering emissions by reducing the number of cars that come to campus each day. Working with Zipcar supports Penn’s overall sustainability strategy.”

Cars are self-service; they can be reserved and accessed 24 hours a day. The company also offers an iPhone app that will honk the horn to locate a Zipcar and unlock the doors for members.

The hourly and daily Zipcar rates, which vary by the vehicle selected, include fuel, 180 miles per day, insurance, reserved-parking spots and roadside assistance. Cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for as long as four days and are available to members starting at $7 per hour or $65 per day.

Members of the Penn community can open a departmental car-share account for business use or sign up for a personal membership. The annual membership fee for a personal account is $35 each for Penn affiliates, who will receive a $35 free driving credit applied toward the first month of driving.

In 2008, Penn partnered with PhillyCarShare, a local non-profit car-share initiative.

“Expanding car sharing capabilities by partnering with a second local car-sharing program adds an additional 44 car shares on campus, bringing the total car shares available on or near campus to 82,” Ms. Witt said.

Additional information is available at www.zipcar.com/penn.

 

Almanac - November 9, 2010, Volume 57, No. 11