Sacramento State and Zipcar, the world’s largest car sharing service, announced the launch of Zipcar’s car-sharing program on campus this fall semester.

The Zipcars will help manage the increasing demand for parking and congestion while also offering students a convenient and environmental way of transportation, said Zipcar spokeswoman Colleen McCormick.

Zipcar is a membership-based car-sharing company providing automobile rental to its members by the hour or day. Anyone can become a member by joining online; once a member, customers can then reserve a vehicle at any Zipcar location, according to the Zipcar website.

According to a recent press release by PRNewswire, Zipcar is noted to be the “world’s leader car sharing network” with more than 560,000 members and provides more than 8,000 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. More than 30 different makes and models of self-service vehicles are offered by the hour or day for residents to provide an economical and greener environment.

Gina Lombardo, director of University Transportation and Parking Services, said because Sac State is a commuter school, students will benefit the most from Zipcar.

“Students will have easy access to vehicles, especially those who live in the residence halls and do not have cars,” Lombardo said. “Also, students only have to be 18 years old to rent a Zipcar – whereas other rental companies will require a person to be 25.”

The new program is to be the first car-sharing program in Sacramento, which will provide residents, local businesses, government employees and visitors access to affordable, convenient transportation that have been proven to reduce high traffic and pollution, according to a statement by Zipcar.

The program has launched 10 vehicles, all of which will be reserved on street parking areas throughout the city of Sacramento; two vehicles will be located on Sac State’s campus beginning in the fall.

Zipcars can be used off campus and includes up to 180 miles. However students can use more mileage for an extra charge of 45 cents, according to the Zipcar website.

As gas prices continue to increase, Zipcar will also save students money, Lombardo said.

Services have low hourly and daily rates that include gas and insurance. Zipcar is self-service; students have access to cars 24/7 and can reserve online or on a mobile phone for convenience.

Lombardo said rates and plans for students include a $35 annual fee and could be used on weekdays for $8 an hour or $66 for the day; on weekends, the rates are $9 an hour and $72 for the day. All rates includes gas, insurance and 180 free miles.

However, Lombardo said Zipcar will also be available for Sac State faculty and staff. Two vehicles will be available for use mid-August and will be located near the residence halls. One car will be a sedan and the other a SUV. Both will either have bike racks or ski racks for the convenience of students.

Although the Sac State community is being provided with Zipcar’s services at an efficient rate, Lombardo said Zipcar is not charging Sac State for the service.

“The program with Sacramento State is a complement to the larger program that we just rolled out in the city of Sacramento,” McCormick said.

McCormick said vehicles will be available for reservation by local community members, as well as by students, faculty and staff. She said Sac State is helping to promote the program through on-campus marketing and has given Zipcar access to high-profile parking on the campus at no charge.

“With our experience launching similar programs on over 230 college and university campuses, we are excited that we will have a presence at Sacramento State, and believe this will be a very successful program,” McCormick said.

Although Zipcar is new to Sacramento, UC Davis has been using Zipcar since it debuted in September 2009.

UC Davis student Christopher Colosi said his experience with Zipcar was convenient and much cheaper than owning a car, but had its downfalls.

“Because the cars are rented by the hour, it makes Zipcar good for short trips. But if you’re going to need the car for a long time, chances are it will be hard to find a car that’s available for any extended period of time unless you reserve a long time in advance,” Colosi said.

However, UC Davis director of transportation Cliff Conteras said the program has grown quickly. He said because students who live on campus and university-owned housing are not allowed to bring a vehicle, students have benefited the most from Zipcar.

“UC Davis began with eight stationed vehicles on campus and are now starting to plan for additional venues,” Conteras said. “I think it has been a wonderful experience with Zipcar; we have identified less demand for parking and at the same time students can take advantage of the rental opportunities when needed.”