Zipcar and the University of California, Berkeley’s Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC), released the findings of a first-of-its kind study of Zipcar car sharing on North American college and university campuses.

The results, which were vetted by a group of university administrators earlier this month, show that car sharing programs enable 30% of students who live on campus to leave their car at home, freeing up valuable real estate on campuses. Respondents also report saving money on transportation after joining and having the freedom to go “where they want, when they want,” according to a joint press release.

To view the report, click here. 

“Traffic and the lack of parking are growing problems on college and university campuses as student car owners continue to outnumber available parking,” said Susan Shaheen, co-director, UC Berkeley TSRC. “This first-ever study of Zipcar car sharing on college and university campuses shows that implementing an on-campus car sharing program can help to alleviate these concerns and improve the well-being of students, faculty, and staff, providing greater accessibility and mobility without the burden of circling for a spot, feeding a meter, or obtaining a permit.”

More than 10,000 university students, faculty and staff participated in the survey, with students making up the bulk (90%) of the respondents. Key findings include:

• Zipcar’s college and university members are freeing up precious campus space that could otherwise be used for classroom buildings, science labs and athletic fields.

• The majority of members don’t own a car.

• Taking advantage of other mobility options around campus.

• Zipcar membership has directly improved quality of life and given members the freedom to go where they want, when they want.

• Nearly 70 percent of university Zipcar members say Zipcar has improved their quality of life, and the same proportion say Zipcar is important or very important to them.

• Experienced financial savings.