Upper Iowa University to offer car sharing program
FAYETTE, Iowa (January 18, 2013) – Upper Iowa University will be offering a car sharing program in cooperation with U-Haul Car Share. The program allows car sharing either on a "pay-as-you-go" plan or, at a reduced rate, through monthly fee-based programs.
"We are pleased to offer this service to the University community as well as to residents in the Fayette area," said Bryan Jolley, executive director of facilities management and services. "Not only does the program improve access in a community without public transportation, it is an environmentally friendly program that encourages drivers to share a vehicle rather than adding more cars to the road."
U-Haul Car Share estimates that each shared car takes 15-20 personally owned vehicles off the road.
"The environmental benefits are nearly endless," stated Cassandra Allen, U Car Share Program manager. "By car sharing, individuals eliminate the need to own a car, without giving up the flexibility a car provides."
Two low-emission cars are parked in the Student Center parking log on the Fayette campus, and are available by reservation 24 hours a day.
All individuals who wish to participate in the program must pay a $25 registration fee and complete an application process. Membership criteria vary by age group. Drivers between ages 18 and 21 must have a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license for at least two years and must have a clean driving record with no driving violations of any kind and no record of alcohol- or drug-related violations. Drivers over age 21 also must have a license for at least two years and must meet restrictions on the number and frequency of traffic violations and have no alcohol-or drug-related violations in the past five years.
Once accepted into the program, drivers may reserve vehicles for as little as one hour or longer. Drivers pay the hourly rate, which starts at $4.95 an hour but varies depending on which plan the driver selects, plus a 59-cent-per-mile charge. All plans include gas, insurance and roadside assistance.
Details of each plan and the discounts and costs are available at www.ucarshare.com, which is also where drivers can apply for membership or reserve a vehicle. Information also is available at 877-990-UCAR.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Associate Vice President for Communication and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu