Meghan Zimbler
Photo Editor
Through a summer of renovations, Springfield College has added some new additions to make this campus even more aesthetically pleasing than it already was. I mean, who doesn’t love the new arch?
One thing in particular that has come to SC is the “wheels when you want them,” also known as Zipcar.
It is hard to miss the two shiny red cars parked in Lot 4, especially with the sign that says “Zipcars live here,” in big green letters.
Zipcar has been rapidly growing throughout the country, after launching their first partnership at MIT in 2002, followed by a partnership with Harvard.
“We have Zipcar programs at small liberal arts and major public universities, from Pac 12 to the Big 10…name a conference, and we’re probably on campus on at least one of the schools,” said CJ Himberg, the Communications and Social Media Coordinator of Zipcar.
So, how exactly does this program work?
According to the Zipcar website, it only takes four easy steps: 1. Join. 2. Reserve. 3. Unlock, and 4. Drive.
The Zipcar membership only costs $25 for a Springfield College student, along with an hourly fee while driving.
The cool thing is, gas is free when driving the lovely red cars. All you need is a valid license. Pretty cool, right?
Once you have your “Zipcard,” all you need to do is swipe the card past the window, open up the door to your temporary car for the day, and drive away.
Zipcar is always trying to stick with its promise of “wheels when you want them,” so the more we utilize this program, the more cars our campus will get.
The Zipsters are trying to make it more accessible for students like us, and faculty members as well, to have an inexpensive way to drive around, run errands and get things done, without having to bring a car on campus.
Many college campuses use this program, and all have had positive experiences from it. Smith College, located in Northampton, Mass., even did a case study using these new cars.
“Zipcar made it easy to bring Zipcar to campus,” said Smith College Media Relations Director Kristen Cole on Zipcar’s website. “Convenient. Affordable. Fun.”
These case studies can be found on Zipcar’s website, along with facts, statistics and of course the registration page.
This alternate form of transportation is open to current students, graduate students and faculty members alike.
Once you’re a Zipster, you’re always a Zipster.