PUBLISHED August 1, 2011 IN Campus, Academics, Working@Duke

Not Mine Or Yours: It's `WeCar'

Duke introduces new car-sharing program with electric vehicles

By Bryan Roth

Duke is replacing its car-sharing service in August with WeCar, which is operated by Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Steps For Current Duke Zipcar Customers

As part of the transition, Zipcar vehicles will be removed from campus at the end of August; WeCar vehicles will be available for rent Aug. 15. Duke Parking and Transportation Services intends to make the transition to WeCar as seamless as possible, but some action is required on your part:

1. Get reimbursed for Zipcar credit balances. Log on to your account at zipcar.com/duke. Select `My Stuff,' then `My Statement.' Click on the `Credit Balance' tab to show your credits. Print the page with credits and scan it, or create a screen capture. When you register for WeCar, email the file to WeCar@WeCar.com or fax to (314) 863-2169 to have the credits applied to your WeCar account.

2. Join WeCar now at wecar.com/duke. WeCar's membership process only requires a valid driver's license to join. Receive free membership for the first year, and there's no application fee.

3. If you wish to cancel your Zipcar membership, call Zipcar, at 866-4ZIPCAR. (Zipcar does not offer online cancelation).

Learn more about WeCar at parking.duke.edu/wecar. If you have any questions, or need assistance with the transition, contact Brian Williams at bpw3@duke.edu or (919) 684-3640.

Brian Williams, Duke's transportation demand management coordinator, said the change from Zipcar to WeCar comes after receiving feedback from Duke community members who want more options in a campus car-sharing program.

The new service provides Duke with 16 vehicles that can be rented by students, faculty and staff. The WeCar vehicles will be spread across Duke, including West, Central and East campuses, as well as the Health System.

The WeCar by Enterprise fleet will include the new Chevrolet Volt, which operates two ways: EV mode (battery powered) and extended-range (gasoline powered). Vehicles are expected to arrive around Aug. 15.

"Duke is always looking for new ways to make it easy for students, faculty and staff to make a sustainable change to the way they commute," Williams said. "WeCar is one more convenient alternative transportation option Duke students and employees have at their disposal that allows them to leave their car at home."

WeCar by Enterprise works like other car-sharing programs: vehicles are reserved online, accessed using a membership card and returned to the same location where it was picked up. WeCar offers several enhancements that make it more convenient for students and employees to leave their cars at home:

More cars on campus
Longer reservations (up to seven days instead of four)
Higher daily mileage limit (200 instead of 180)
Cheaper overnight rate, depending on model
Local approval for international driver participation
Access for employees and students 18 years old and up to rentals from a nearby Enterprise-Rent-A-Car location (WeCar membership not required)
Streamlined membership application; only valid driver's license required for membership

Rentals cost $8 to $10 an hour or $66 to $72 per day, depending on vehicle model. After the first 200 miles, the cost is 35 cents per mile. Fuel, maintenance and basic liability coverage are included. All memberships, reservations and payments are administered and managed by WeCar.

As part of the transition, Zipcar vehicles will be removed from campus at the end of August. Students and employees who are current Zipcar members may join WeCar but must take some steps (see the sidebar) regarding Zipcar membership and credits.

Duke community members new to car-sharing can join WeCar now online for a $35 annual membership fee. The fee will be refunded with a free $35 driving credit on the new account.

"With all of the different types of trips we make - whether a short trip to the store or a long trip to the beach - Duke students and employees want the most choices possible," Williams said. "With WeCar, we'll have lots of vehicles, rental options and affordable rates to make those trips easy."

To learn more, visit parking.duke.edu/wecar.