HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech is offering their students a new way to get around town. They're called Zipcars and it's a car sharing service.
"Zipcars came to campus this past August. They're based out of a firm in Cambridge, Mass. We decided to try out the Zipcars for students who don't drive to campus," said Pete Pelissero, manager of MTU grounds department and Husky Motors.
Mary Witucki is one of those students.
"I don't have to buy a car of my own which is kind of nice because, as a student, I can't really afford one, especially with gas prices," said Mary Witucki, graduate student at Michigan Tech.
All students have to do create an account online. The car is $7.50 an hour and the SUV is $8.50 an hour.
With two Zipcars available, the students who use them don't have to worry about campus parking, tickets or car maintenance. Only 180 miles are allowed per day. Gas and insurance is also included with the vehicles.
"It's a $25 membership fee, and they'll get a card mailed to them within three to five days. Once the card comes in, they can make reservations. Once they get their Zipcard, they just come to the vehicle, put their Zipcard up to the windshield, doors unlock and they're ready to drive," Pelissero said.
Witucki says she mainly uses the car for places that are not in walking distance from campus.
"Probably grocery shopping because I go way out to Walmart and the Econofoods," Witucki said.
The Zipcars aren't just for students; anyone in the community over the age of 21 can use them as long as they have an account.
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