Where the Zipcars Are
The sign at the entrance to the Smith College parking
garage on West Street says: "Zipcars live here." In fact, a fleet of four
fuel–efficient Zipcars— which can be driven by anyone with a paid membership
to the Zipcar car–sharing service— has drivers zipping in and out of
the reserved parking spots.
Smith students (18 and older), faculty, staff and local
residents (21 and older) may reserve a Zipcar by the hour or the day. Gas and insurance
are included in the hourly rate of $7 and the daily rate of $55.
Smith has partnered with Zipcar to offer the campus
community an alternative to car ownership since August 2006. When the service was
launched, Smith President Carol Christ noted, "Giving students another reason
to avoid bringing a car to campus is a win for the college and Northampton, and a
natural next step in our sustainability efforts."
Today, Maria Martinez, a spokesperson for Zipcar, says, "The
program at Smith has been incredibly successful and has had great demand."
For information about Zipcar and how to become a member,
visit www.zipcar.com. |
