Missouri State University is launching its Zipcars Friday, a car sharing program available to the school’s students, faculty and even members of the community.
Maxwell Wagner, chief sustainability commissioner of MSU’s Student Government Association, has worked on the initiative for about a year now, submitting proposals to the student body and administration.
He says the need for car sharing was most prominent with students living on campus.
“They typically don’t have to drive as much and this would also be a great way for them to have a car on campus without any of the hassle or extra cost of having a car on campus, so there is a great market out there,” Wagner said.
Of MSU’s roughly 20,000 students and 2,500 faculty members in Springfield, about 10,000 currently have a vehicle permit to park on campus. The school also offers a shuttle service throughout campus and to and from downtown.
Freshmen Lindsay Kilgore is among those who have their own vehicle.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily in demand, but I think it’s a good option to have if a student needs it. Maybe their car breaks down and they need to go home, they have an option to go to the school and get a car,” Kilgore said.
Zipcar isn’t just for the university though. Anyone in the area 21 and over is able to use the car, paying $7.50 an hour or $69 a day for up to four days.
Insurance, gas, and 180 miles are included in the cost. Wagner says this is just the start of opportunities for the program.
“We’re really looking forward to see how it goes on the campus, and see how we can expand the program for the future,” Wagner said.
Zipcar is a Massachusetts-based company and has two other locations in Missouri; St. Louis National Airport and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.