Alternate route
Anna Conrad weighed her options.
Conrad, a junior environmental biology major at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, examined the two car-sharing options on campus – Zipcar and CuseCar. She chose to use the less expensive one.
‘I looked into Zipcar, as well as compared the prices of the two. And if I had to choose, I would get the Zipcar,’ Conrad said. ‘It’s less expensive, and since I’m on a budget like all college students are, I wouldn’t get the CuseCar.’
CuseCar, a community car-sharing program, is now available to ESF students, faculty and staff members. It is not available to the Syracuse University community. Car-sharing programs are considered helpful because they give members the convenience of vehicle renting without the actual need to own a vehicle, according to the CuseCar Web site.
Users would pay an annual fee of $100 for a CuseCar membership, as well as a sign-up fee of $40. Members get the opportunity to drive an environmentally friendly Toyota Prius Hybrid or Honda Civic. The hourly usage rate is $12 per hour.
The program is similar to Zipcar, a national car-sharing program recently adopted by SU. Zipcar is offered to members of the university community, including ESF students. Its annual fee is $35 with no sign-up fee. The daily rate is $65 and the hourly rate is $9 per hour.
Michael Kelleher, director of renewable energy systems at ESF, said the new program has been in the works for a while. He said the program’s goal is to reduce vehicle miles and carbon emissions through a more efficient transportation system.
‘We think our transportation energy use is one of the major uses of energy by our campus,’ Kelleher said. ‘That’s part of what we’re trying to curb with this initiative.’
SU and ESF completed the Commuter Challenge, an event that encouraged faculty, staff and off-campus students to explore alternative ways of getting to campus, on Oct. 31. With the implementation of car-sharing programs on campus, Kelleher said, the campus community is working to help the environment, but there is still more to do.
‘The biggest thing we need to focus on is energy conservation,’ he said. ‘We need to reduce waste, reduce energy use, and adopt more efficient energy technologies. We can look at ways to expand programs like CuseCar, Zipcar and the Commuter Challenge so we use more efficient modes of transportation.’
CuseCars can be reserved for as little as one hour, but must be reserved at least 15 minutes in advance, up to three months ahead of time. The car can be picked up and returned to its original location. The membership covers the first 60 miles driven, with an additional fee of at least $0.20 per mile over 60 miles.
Some students said they would use the programs because they feel the burden of public transportation and the hassle of not having a car on campus.
Yuto Murai, a junior environmental studies major at ESF, participated in service learning through the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service, and recalled a time when his group had to meet at Gifford Zoo in Syracuse.
‘I didn’t have a car to get there, or public transportation of any kind,’ he said. ‘I ended up having to ride my bike there. It took 30 minutes. It creates a problem, especially with the Syracuse climate. I’d have to ride my bike in the snow.’
Murai said he was likely to sign up for CuseCar simply because he needs a car to get around.
Genesis Devine, a junior wildlife science major, agreed.
‘I usually have to rely on friends for a ride,’ Devine said. ‘So I definitely think this is a good resource for students. Although, it is really expensive so they should only use it when they need it.’
Published on November 12, 2008 at 12:00 pm
