You may have never heard of a Zipcar. It’s a cool new program that’s just arrived as part of the med center’s TravelSmart program.
It’s the perfect option for folks who need a car in a pinch. It’s a self-service, on-demand car sharing program. You can rent a car by the hour or for a day or more.
“Zipcar can be used by anyone,” said Melanie Stewart, campus sustainability manager. “We wanted to offer Zipcar for folks who arrive without a car and may need one for work purposes or to run a personal errand.”
To use Zipcars, simply register as a member, reserve a car online or on your phone, use your Zipcard to scan into the car and drive away. When you’re done, return the car to the same location where you picked it up.
As a member you get:
- Access to Zipcars 24/7
- Discounted hourly rates for staff and students age 18 and older. Rates start at just $7.50/hour or $69/day
- Gas, insurance and maintenance are included for free
- Join for only $15 a year
Wondering how it works? There are four simple steps to Zipcar freedom. Join today here.
- Once you’re a member, reserve a car online or on your phone for as little as an hour or as long as seven days.
- Scan into the car using your Zipcard. (The keys are already in the car.)
- Drive away.
- Just make sure to return the car at the end of your reservation.
You do not need to be a registered member of the TravelSmart program.
With Zipcar parked right on campus, conveniently located on the northeast corner of 42nd and Leavenworth, it’s easy to get downtown, do errands or even road trip. And since Zipcar covers gas, insurance and 180 miles per day, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without any of the extra costs.
Zipcar also can be used by guests, visitors, members of the community and patient families as long as they are 18 years old. They also can sign up by going to “Community Members” here.
“At UNMC, there are many students who don’t own a car,” Stewart said. “Of, course we have many families at Nebraska Medicine who may need a car to run errands. This is the perfect option.”
If you have questions, please contact Stewart.