Sep 23, 2014 09:51 AM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Zipcars are coming to the University of Arkansas this semester, school officials announced.

The Fayetteville-based institution has launched a new partnership with the world's leading car-sharing network, to offer a Zipcar car-sharing program on campus.

"We are excited to be able to provide Zipcars for the students, faculty and staff," said Gary Smith, director of the university's Transit and Parking. "This program will provide vehicles for students who do not have vehicles on campus, and we hope it encourages some students to leave their car at home and use the Zipcar program."

The convenient transportation option is now available at an affordable rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty and staff ages 18 and older, as well as members of the local community ages 21 and older.

The university will offer two vehicles, a Ford Escape and a Ford Focus, at the start of the program. The Zipcars will have designated parking spots located on campus, in lot 37, near the Garland Center, for convenient pickup and return.

"Cost-savings, convenience, reduced demand for parking and less congestion on campus are just some of the benefits that we are confident the University of Arkansas community will experience by having Zipcar on campus," Katelyn Lopresti, general manager for Zipcar University, said in a statement. "Since each car shared takes approximately 15 privately owned vehicles off the road, Zipcar can also help the campus reduce its overall carbon footprint and impact on the environment."

Participating members with smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, may download the Zipcar mobile application to make reservations, lock and unlock the vehicles and honk the horn to help locate the vehicle. Reservations can also be made over the phone or on Zipcar's website.

This year, University of Arkansas members can join for $25, with rates for Zipcar vehicles on campus starting as low as $7.50 per hour and $69 per day. After the first year, members will pay an annual membership fee of $35. Gas, insurance and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days.

University of Arkansas students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar at www.zipcar.com/uark.

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