Bowdoin College, Colby College and University of New England Partner With Zipcar to Expand Car Sharing in Maine

CAMBRIDGE, MA - August 26, 2008: Zipcar, the world's largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, today announced a joint partnership to provide Zipcars on campus to three Maine schools -- Bowdoin College, Colby College and the University of New England. The partnerships mark Zipcar's entry into Southern Maine, bringing it to more than 50 cities, including operations in London, England, and 27 North American states and provinces.

Beginning today, a total of six self-service Zipcars -- two at each school -- will be available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cars will be available to all staff and students aged 18+, with gas, maintenance, insurance and reserved parking included in low hourly and daily rates. Zipcar was selected as each institution's car-sharing partner based on its superior technology and operations, membership experience and track record of providing peer universities with a proven, cost effective, and environmentally-friendly transportation solution.

"Zipcar offers a wonderful way for Bowdoin students, faculty and staff to take cars off the road and reduce our carbon footprint," says Bowdoin College Dean of Student Affairs Tim Foster. "Beginning with the Class of 2013, first-year students will no longer be able to have cars on campus and Zipcar will provide an inexpensive and convenient alternative for them and for our upper-class students, faculty and staff. Thanks to Zipcar, over time I expect we'll see fewer students with cars and more one car families."

"This is just one more in a long list of initiatives that Colby has undertaken to reduce our carbon footprint," said Colby Vice President for Administration and Treasurer Douglas C. Terp. "The Zipcars allow students with cars to leave them at home if they want, and it adds a transportation option for those who don't have cars. It's an all-around good idea."

"The partnership with Zipcar will help us further our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and create a culture that supports sound, creative transportation alternatives for our students, faculty and staff," said Barbara Hazard, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of New England. "We are delighted that this convenient, economical and environmentally friendly option is now available on campus to the university community and area residents."

For college students who cannot or do not want to bring a privately-owned car to school, Zipcar provides the freedom to travel off campus to attend interviews, run errands, or take a weekend trip. Zipcar also eliminates hundreds of dollars in monthly transportation costs, saving members an average of $600/month or $7,200/year when compared with car ownership -- money that can be put toward other more relevant expenses such as tuition and housing. Faculty, staff, and students will be able to join Zipcar for $35 and will gain access to Zipcars for $7 per hour and $60-$70 per day. Local resident ages 21 and up can also join for $75 ($25 one-time application fee and $50 annual fee). All members 21 and older will have access to Zipcar's network of more than 5,500 vehicles throughout the UK and North America. Among the dozens of schools that have partnered with Zipcar to reduce traffic, noise and parking demands are MIT, Columbia, Georgetown, American University, Harvard University, University of Minnesota, University of Toronto, University of North Carolina and The University of Chicago.