[IMAGE]Hertz-car-sharing-full.jpg[/IMAGE]The Hertz global car sharing club has launched a new alternative transportation program on the University of Arizona  campus.

Car sharing offers an alternative transportation mode to encourage SOV (Single Occupant Vehicle) drivers to use transit, bike or walk to work and class. Car sharing supports this by providing a car that’s easy to access and has a low cost, according to Hertz officials. Commuters don’t have to drive their own cars to work and class if they have one readily available.

Every Connect by Hertz car on the road eliminates up to 14 personal vehicles, reducing the overall number of cars on the roads, according to the car rental company. Fewer cars on the road means less CO2 emissions clogging up the air.  In the U.S., Connect by Hertz cars are all EPA Smartway certified. This ensures less air pollutants and greenhouse gases are emitted. 

Car sharing members use vehicles when they want to, and pay for the service based on how much they drive. After pre-registering with Hertz online, Hertz will mail an access card to each member. Once the card is received, the member goes to the Connect by Hertz website and reserves the vehicle that they want for as many hours as they want.

The cars are strategically placed around campus providing students, university faculty and staff an environmentally-friendly, economical alternative to car ownership. Ten cars are parked around campus -- three in Tyndall Garage, one in Sixth St. Garage, two on Highland north of 4th St., two in Second St Garage, and two on Olive at 2nd St.

Hertz will check each member's driving record. Drivers between 18 and 21 must have a clean record and have been driving for a year. Others must have a valid license. With their credit card already on file, members select the vehicle they want and the amount of time they will need. 

The car sharing program has a maximum mileage limit of 180 miles per day. After making an online reservation, the member can access the reserved car on campus. Members can use a security code within a smart chip provided in their Hertz access card unlock the car.

The member returns the car to the same location. If the driver wants to extend their rental, there is a button to push on the dashboard that will connect them with Hertz to extend their time.  If there is not another reservation, time can be extended. If the driver wants a free hour, they can stop at a car wash and get the vehicle washed.

Returning a car late or with excess miles incurs additional expense. The car sharing program provides all support to the vehicle including maintenance, cleaning, repair, insurance, and gas.

Hertz is waiving the first year membership and application fee, so sign up now for your free membership by visiting www.connectbyhertz.com.