January 19, 2011—U Car Share and Luther College are launching the first U Car Share service in Iowa. Building on the success of other partnerships, the U Car Share/Luther College program brings students, faculty and staff more transportation options, allowing individuals to maintain a sustainable lifestyle in one cost-effective, convenient package, notes U Car Share.
Each shared car takes 15-20 personally owned vehicles off the road, reduces parking congestion, and improves air quality, says U Car Share. Luther College is also getting vehicles fitted with U Care Share’s new proprietary keypad technology.
U Car Share placed two vehicles on campus, parked in highly visible reserved parking in the Library parking lot, central to residence halls and academic buildings (one Honda Insight Hybrid and a low-emission Ford Focus), available 24/7 to all students, faculty and staff members, 18 years of age and older.
U Car Share reportedly offers the lowest starting price point in the industry. Until April 15, 2011, new members can sign up with their Luther College e-mail address for free by logging on to ucarshare.com and entering promotion code “Luther” at the time of application.
Members pay an hourly rate starting at $4.95 per hour (plus $0.49 per mile). For those who drive longer distances, U Car Share also offers rates with 180 free miles, starting at $8.50 per hour, depending on the vehicle. Gas, insurance, maintenance, reserved parking spots and 24/7 roadside assistance are included in the hourly and daily rates. Cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for up to six days.
