WeCar offers an environmentally friendly solution for Lipscomb students who don’t have access to a car but who need to get off campus.
Most student needs can be met right on campus, but there are times –whether it is picking up a prescription, running simple errands or visiting friends and family — when a student needs to venture away from Lipscomb.
Riding with friends can be the solution, but it can also make the car-less student feel like something of aburden to friends serving as taxi drivers.
Now a solution is parked within eyesight. Lipscomb University has paired with the WeCar program to provide a solution to this popular problem.
WeCar’s aphorism is “Our car, Your car, WeCar.” This company, which is a car-sharing program from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, provides a transportation solution that is convenient and cost-effective.
The vehicles are available all hours of the day and night and are usually well-located and easily accessible. WeCar is available to rent for an hour, a day or overnight.
Another benefit of the WeCar program is it is environmentally friendly. Offering mostly fuel-efficient, hybrid, and plug-in vehicles decreases pollution. When people participate in car-sharing programs like this, it cuts down on traffic congestion, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
As much as WeCar helps our environment and aids people financially by not having to purchase their own vehicle, convenience is undoubtedly the prevailing focus of the program that began at Lipscomb Nov. 4.
“I think the WeCar program will be great for Lipscomb University because it will give students without cars more options,” said Jesseca Kahn a sophomore elementary education major. “It also provides new students with an alternative to bringing a car to school. As a university we need to keep the student body and environment in mind, and this program does just that.”
Cars are located at the southeast corner of University Park Drive (in front of Burton) and the northeast corner of Johnson Hall, in the few parking spots between Johnson and Sewell.
Fees and rates vary based on how long you have the car, the mileage placed on the vehicle and they type of liability or protection plan you purchase. Additional fees will be added if the vehicle is damaged or late upon return.
Receiving and returning the WeCar is a very simple process. First, you must become a member by signing up online. You will then be contacted and asked for a convenient time to attend your orientation session, which is where you will be given your extremely important membership card.
Anytime after this, you may log-in online using your member ID and password. Next, you will be directed to the reservation page that will give you the locations of the closest, available cars for rent. There, you will find a step by step process to follow to receive and return your car.
“The WeCar Company is waving the initial $50 fee for signing up and becoming a member for faculty and staff, but they still must pay the $8 per hour to use the car,” said Janel Shoun, Lipscomb media relations manager. “However, this system works in reverse for the students. Lipscomb students must pay the $50 fee for signing up, but also get $50 in credits toward using the car. This means, the first $50 the student uses, which is equivalent to 6 hours of using the car, is completely free.”
“It could help students who don’t bring cars from out of town,” said Jackson Sprayberry, a senior political science major. “It’s also a nice tool for admissions recruiters, on top of our partnership with MTA that allows students to ride the bus for free.”
Interested students and faculty should visit WeCar’s website and learn more about the program to get the most out of what WeCar and Lipscomb are offering.