News
OU Opens the Road to Students Without Cars
By: Joe Jackson
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Ohio University is partnering with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to offer students without a car on campus a way to still get around town.
WeCar by Enterprise is a membership-based, automated car rental option that offers students an alternative way to travel.
The OU Office of Student Affairs partnered with Parking Services and Student Senate to bring the program to Ohio University's Athens campus.
Students who register with the program will have access to two fuel-efficient vehicles: a Honda Civic and Ford Fiesta.
"The best part about this program is that students only have to pay for a flat hourly rate," said OU Communication Specialist Jennifer Krisch. "The rate is $9 an hour and usually varies for overnight use. That standard rate includes the price of gas and insurance or damage that is done to the car."
The cars will be housed in the parking lot of Walter Hall near Richland Avenue.
Students registered for the program will receive a membership card that will allow them to unlock the car and open the glove box where the key and gas card are located.
Vice President of Student Affairs Ryan Lombardi says that he has already seen the program's popularity on other college campuses.
"It is another option for students not to bring a car to campus, helping to make campus a more sustainable enviornment," said Lombardi.
Howard Elliott was on OU's campus for his son's freshman Bobcat Student Orientation.
Elliot said he had a few concerns about the program.
"The program sounds good, but, I don't think my son will be renting a car at $9 an hour to go home when he can take the GoBus for $10 a trip," Elliot said. "I can, however, see my son and his friends renting the car to get to the farmers market or to go see a movie."
Although the program officially begins on August 22, students are now able to register online for membership.