As a way to reduce the number of cars brought to campus, introduce sustainable transportation solutions, provide a cost-effective alternative to car ownership, and to provide a great service to the local community, Luther is currently researching the possibility of bringing a car sharing program to campus in September 2011.  One such program, Zipcar, offers exactly this to anyone 18 years or older.  In order to determine if Zipcar would work at Luther we need your help.  Check out the information below and let us know your opinion by filling out a quick survey.

With Zipcar, Luther College students, faculty, and staff along with Decorah community members can drive self-service cars by the hour or day, 24/7.  Gas, maintenance/roadside assistance, insurance and parking are all included.  Members can use Zipcars for errands, shuttling friends to the airport, shopping, or quick road trips anytime of the day or night.  It's far more convenient and cost effective than owning a car.

 Did you know that each Zipcar historically takes 15-20 cars off the road?  Approximately 40% of their University members have stated that they would have otherwise purchased a car or have stopped their purchasing decision of a car because of Zipcar.

If you are 21 years or older, you will also have access to over 7,000 cars in the Zipcar network including: Minneapolis, Winona, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, London, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington DC and over 120 campuses in North America.

How It Works

Join -  Students, faculty, staff and community members join at www.zipcar.com/schoolname (Luther would have its own landing page/microsite) by entering their name, credit or debit card information and drivers license number.  Each member will receive a Zipcard assigned specifically to them within 2-3 buisness days.

Reserve - Members reserve online, by phone, mobile device or iPhone.  At the time of the reservation a wireless signal is sent to the Zipcar.

Unlock - When members arrive at the Zipcar, they simply use their Zipcard to unlock the door.

Drive - When done, members just return the Zipcar to its spot, lock the car using their Zipcard, and walk away. 

Hourly and Daily Rates -  Cost to rent Zipcar is $8 per hour and $66 per day during the week, and $9 per hour and $72 per day on the weekends.  Gas, insurance, a designated parking space, 24/7 roadside assistance and maintenance are all included in the hourly and daily rates.

Membership Fees

Personal Use - There is a $35 annual membership fee(a credit of $35 in free driving is applied for use in the first 30 days when initially becoming a member.

Business Use - There is a $25 annual membership fee(a credit of $25 in free driving is applied for use in the first 30 days when initially becoming a member.

Potential Zipcar Make and Models - Scion xD, Scion xB, Honda Civic, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Prius, Honda CRV, Honda Insight.