There is a new way for students who don’t own a car to get around.
OCU partnered last year with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to start CarShare, a program that allows students to rent cars on campus.
“It’s only the second program in the state, and it’s getting popular,” said Chris Robertson, Enterprise area manager. “We’ve been hearing quite a buzz about it.”
Since starting the program, there are now about 30 to 50 students using it, Robertson said.
CarShare is a membership-based program. Students sign up to be a member on the Enterprise website. When they need a car, they sign up online and reserve a car for a block of time.
The program is affordable, Robertson said. The membership fee is normally $30, but it’s only $1 if students sign up before April 30. The rent per hour also has been cut. Nissan has an agreement with Enterprise to pay a portion of the rent. Instead of paying $7, students pay $5 per hour.
There are two cars available to rent. Both are 2015 Nissan Contras.
“They’re very clean and look brand new,” said Savannah Michalek, dance freshman. “They’re also easy to drive.”
A gas card comes included with the car, so there is no need to spend money on fuel.
The cars are located behind Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. When students become members, they get a card that unlocks the vehicle. Students wave their card over a sensor on the windshield, and the car opens.
“If I want to go off campus for dinner or something, it’s really useful,” Michalek said. “For those that don’t have cars or any form of transportation, it’s a great way to get around.”
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