WeCar vehicle-sharing program lowers rental cost

WeCar, the sustainable alternative to keeping and maintaining a personal vehicle at Radford University, has become less expensive.

Rachel Vance, WeCar brand ambassador, said both of the two models serving the RU campus—a Ford Focus and Nissan Altima Hybrid—are now priced at $9.99 an hour. The larger, four-door Nissan Altima was originally priced at $12.99 an hour.

"It will give RU students who use WeCar more comfort, space and access to the convenience of a WeCar when they need it," said Vance, adding that the Focus has been a popular choice for on-campus students, averaging 300 miles of use a week, while the Altima has been underutilized.

WeCar by Enterprise is a membership-based, automated car-rental option that offers cars for use on a short-term basis. Students, faculty and staff with a credit card and valid driver’s license can use the temporary transportation for errands and quick trips as an alternative to maintaining their own vehicles.

"WeCar drivers always have a parking place on campus," Vance said. "It is now an even more convenient and affordable way to get those errands done that a student needs to do."

Registered members have access to either of the two cars that are parked in Lot F, between Muse and Tyler halls. They gain access to the vehicles with their WeCar registration cards.

WeCar complements Radford Transit, the bus system serving the campus and the City of Radford. WeCar rentals and bicycling are transportation alternatives that can help to lessen the RU community's carbon footprint, said Julio Stephens, RU sustainability coordinator. Greenhouse gases associated with commuting to and around campus are one of the top contributors to RU's footprint, he said.

Sign up for the WeCar program online. Members also make vehicle reservations online, then access the vehicles using their membership cards. Cars are returned to the Lot F location. Fuel, basic physical damage to the vehicle and insurance are included in the hourly fee.

Learn more about Radford University at www.radford.edu.