Produced by: Office of Marketing and Communications
November 13, 2013
St. John’s University’s new partnership with Zipcar, Inc., provides students and employees at the Queens campus with a convenient, eco-friendly transportation option available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Through the partnership, which began on November 7, St. John’s students and employees have convenient access to short-term car rentals they can reserve online or via their mobile devices. Two Zipcars—a Ford Focus Hatchback and a Honda Civic—are parked in a campus lot near the Department of Public Safety (ROTC McDonald Center).
Membership in the program costs $25 for the first year ($35 each additional year), including $35 in driving credit for the first month. Members receive discounted hourly rates, gas, insurance, and maintenance. Students and employees must be at least 18 to reserve a car.
"St. John's University is pleased to partner with Zipcar to make car sharing simple and affordable for our University Community,” said Jackie Lochrie, associate dean for student services. “Having cars accessible on campus is a perfect amenity particularly for our students who may want the convenience of a car for running errands or stocking up on groceries, but don't want the expense or commitment of owning a car in New York City."
The agreement with Zipcar also supports St. John’s sustainability efforts. Since joining Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s “PlaNYC 2030 Challenge” to reduce carbon emissions on college campuses in 2007, the University has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, receiving a GOLD rating by The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).
According to a study by the Transportation Research Board and the National Academy of Sciences, each shared vehicle takes approximately 15 personally owned cars off the road. The study also found that joining Zipcar can help to reduce emissions, since members typically reduce their overall mileage by about 40 percent.. In addition, a study by Frost & Sullivan determined that car-sharing programs like Zipcar can save members up to 70% in total transportation costs.
Student organizations at St. John’s can now participate in the “Students with Drive,” sponsored by Zipcar and the Ford Motor Company. The program provides students with membership and driving credit to support organizations on campus.
To become a member or learn more, please visit zipcar.com/stjohns.