The University of South Carolina’s partnership with ride-sharing service Zipcar is starting to gain some momentum.

USC announced the collaboration in a September press release that said the joint venture provides access to rental vehicles for students, faculty and staff – without having to leave campus.

Zipcar, a subsidiary of car rental agency Avis Budget Group, allows users to reserve an electric or a hybrid vehicle, which are a combination of electric and gas-engine vehicles.

And, unlike with most other car rentals, the driver only has to be 18 years old, not 21. But drivers aged 18 to 24 must pay a “young drivers fee” of 75-cents an hour or $6 per day.

Users also must pay a monthly or annual membership fee along with the rental fees – which are charged by the minute, hour and day – as well as a general reservation fee. Gas, maintenance, parking and insurance options are included in reservations, Zipcar said on its website. USC is waiving the annual or monthly fee for the first year for USC users.

The rental company said its service helps combat climate change, citing multiple sources on its website to provide statistical data. 

Additional data was collected in a Zipcar 2024 survey of 5,922 respondents.

Zipcar’s survey says the service has reduced 15 billion pounds of its carbon footprint since 2016. It also shows that 76% of its members have reduced car usage.

Zipcar’s current options at each of its stations at USC include only hybrid vehicles, which are believed to be environment-friendly compared to traditional cars.

The university also is focused on the accessibility of Zipcar vehicles for use on and around campus.

Dennessee Daring, transportation manager for USC Parking and Transportation Services, said the nature of Zipcar makes it an attractive service for the university.

“I think what definitely sets (Zipcar) apart is the convenience,” Daring said. “… You’re just able to go see the vehicle, sign up and go ahead and ride it.”

Daring said Zipcar data showed a good rate of use for the vehicles at the university as the service debuts on campus.

There are currently five Zipcar stations at USC: the Russell House University Union, the 650 Lincoln building, the Capstone House, Campus Village and the Pendleton Street Garage. There are 10 cars in total.

Daring said the university and Zipcar already are planning to expand the service.

“Our goal is definitely to bring as many cars as we can,” Daring said. “What would definitely drive that is how the vehicles are being utilized, and how it is being maximized.”

The Zipcar proposal was brought to the university by USC Student Government.

“Students without personal vehicles on campus will now have convenient access to destinations across the city for shopping, dining, internships and other needs,” USC student body president Courtney Tkacs told university officials.