Zipcar officially launched its Wesleyan fleet of two cars, a Prius and a Civic Hybrid, yesterday outside of the Usdan University Center, concluding a yearlong collaboration between the Wesleyan Student Assembly (WSA), Zipcar, and Wesleyan Administration officials.
Two Zipcar representatives were present with candy, brochures, and, most importantly, the two cars, named “Christian the Civic” and “Picasso the Prius.” Ben Firke ’12, Chair of the WSA Finance and Facilities Committee and John Meerts, Vice-President for Finance and Administration, represented the University. Firke worked towards bringing the Zipcars to campus and arrived early to attend the launch of the partnership.
“It’s gonna be great,” Firke said. “Middletown is nice because of how close we are to cities like Hartford and New Haven and the other surrounding towns. Zipcars open up lots of options for travel and exploration and give students a convenient way to get out and do things.”
Firke added that he is pleased the partnership with Zipcar has finally come to fruition.
“Zipcar is the world’s largest car-sharing company, and they really go out of their way to accommodate universities and students,” Firke said. “They’re a good company.”
Due to contract obligations, Firke could not comment on the exact number of students who have signed up to use Zipcars, but he reported that there has been a steady interest from students thus far.
To sign up, students can use the website or a free iPhone application available through the iTunes store. The iPhone application works primarily for those already approved. The approval process consists of a short application, a driving record check, and a short administrative turnaround of three days to a week.
The two Zipcars on campus are parked at the Allbritton Center and cost an hourly rate of $8 or $66 per day.
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