Lake Forest College adds car-sharing as an affordable means of transportation

In a partnership with WeCar by Enterprise, eligible College students, faculty, and staff will have round-the-clock access to two cars.

WeCar by Enterprise is a membership-based, automated car rental option that offers a sustainable, efficient and cost-effective transportation alternative. Registered members will have access to two Nissan Versa vehicles, which will be parked on the College's Middle Campus.

Lake Forest College students (18 and older), faculty, and staff are eligible for membership in WeCar, which offers around-the-clock access to hourly, daily, and overnight rentals. WeCar allows members to maintain the benefits of a personal car while only paying for the vehicle when it is being used. Campus car-sharing programs are especially popular with students because they provide a solution to car rental age restrictions, as well as financial concerns associated with having a car on campus.

“In a survey last spring, students identified car sharing as a benefit they would like to see on campus, and we’re glad to bring it to them through our partnership with Enterprise,” said Lake Forest’s Dean of Students Rob Flot. “In addition to the shuttle buses and METRA train service, car sharing gives our community yet another way to get around without the hassle and cost of owning a car.”

Beginning Monday, March 25, members can reserve a vehicle online, then access the vehicle using a membership card and return it to the same location. The basic membership costs $35 and includes $35 in driving credit. The hourly rate is $8 on weekdays and $8.50 on weekends. Fuel, basic physical damage to the vehicle and state-required liability protection are included in the standard rate plan.

“WeCar provides students at Lake Forest College with a low-cost, convenient transportation solution located right on the campus,” said Ryan Johnson, assistant vice president at Enterprise Holdings. “Our Enterprise CarShare network offers a sustainable, totally automated and efficient mobility option that can help alleviate parking and transportation challenges at universities across the United States.”

Along with operating six rental locations in the North Shore area around Lake Forest, Enterprise recruits and hires graduates from Lake Forest College each year. A brand ambassador internship program has been established at Lake Forest College to market the car-sharing service on campus.

 

WeCar by Enterprise operates car-sharing programs on more than 50 college campuses throughout the United States and Canada, as well as corporate, government, military and downtown programs throughout the United States.

 

Lake Forest College is an undergraduate institution located 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, with students from nearly every state in the nation and 79 countries around the world.

Source : Chicago Tribune, by Nemcek, March 26th, 2013