WeCar by Enterprise car-sharing comes to UH Manoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Crysttal Atkins, (808) 956-2977
Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, Commuter Services
Posted: Sep 10, 2012

WeCar's Chevy Volt
WeCar's Chevy Volt
Enterprise Rent-A-Car kiosk behind POST Building on East-West Road
Enterprise Rent-A-Car kiosk behind POST Building on East-West Road
WeCar's Chevy Volt at Hawaii Hall, UH Manoa
WeCar's Chevy Volt at Hawaii Hall, UH Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has partnered with WeCar by Enterprise to provide car-sharing services to its students, faculty and staff for their personal use, as well as for the business purposes of its schools and departments. The program allows members to rent a WeCar vehicle located on the Mānoa campus hourly, for a full day, or overnight.

 

UH Manoa’s WeCar program will officially launch at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at Varney Circle.  A brief ceremony will be led by Mānoa Chancellor Tom Apple and Enterprise Holdings Vice President and General Manager-Hawaii Group Daniel Schaberg.

 

Kahu (Reverend) Aaron Mahi will offer a traditional Hawaiian blessing. (The WeCar blessing is part of a larger event presented by the University’s Campus Services division on the Hawaiʻi Hall lawn from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., called “Campus Kickoff.”)

 

“WeCar is part of our continuing efforts to reduce traffic congestion to Mānoa by making alternative commute modes easier and more attractive,” said University Transportation Demand Management Coordinator Crysttal Atkins. “Now, those who’ve made the choice not to bring a car to campus have access to one when they need it, whether for errands or emergencies or weekend recreation.”

 

Commuter and Fleet Services Manager Raymond Shito adds, “The University is also anticipating significant cost-savings on the repair and maintenance of the State-owned fleet, as the current sedans are eventually replaced by this third-party car sharing. We look forward to expanding the WeCar pool as institution demand grows.”

 

The WeCar program is completely automated, with online application and reservations. Members are each provided with a swipe key allowing them access to the vehicle, in which they’ll find the car’s ignition key in the glove box.

 

The $10-$12/hour rental rate includes 200 free miles, fuel, maintenance, a campus parking spot and damage/liability protection. For individual users, there is a one-time application fee of $10, with annual membership dues of $35.

 

Application and membership fees are entirely waived for business users. New members at UH Mānoa also receive a $35 driving credit on sign-up, applicable toward time and mileage charges for rentals.

 

WeCar membership at UH Mānoa is open to anyone 21 years or older with a valid driver's license.

 

The three hybrid models selected for the UHM launch reflect the University’s and Enterprise’s commitment to sustainability. These first WeCar vehicles have designated parking spots at Varney Circle (Chevy Volt), on East-West Road and Maile Way (Jeep Compass), and at the Gateway House parking lot (Ford Focus).

 

“WeCar provides UHM affiliates with a low-cost, convenient transportation solution located right on the campus,” said Ryan Johnson, assistant vice president, WeCar and Rideshare for Enterprise. “Our car sharing program is a sustainable, totally automated and efficient mobility option that can help alleviate parking and transportation challenges at universities across the United States.”

 

In addition to the car sharing program, UH Mānoa now offers a satellite location for Enterprise Rent-A-Car at 1680 East-West Road, behind the POST Building. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Students, faculty, staff and the general public may now access vehicles for extended rentals (24 hours or more) on a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Reservations may be made at www.enterprise.com.

 

About WeCar:

St. Louis-based Enterprise Holdings owns and operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand and the WeCar by Enterprise program. Enterprise Rent-A-Car launched hourly car rentals in 2005 and local car sharing in 2007. WeCar has since been adopted by more than 50 college campuses throughout the United States and Canada. The program found success at the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, as well as other businesses, universities, and government offices nationwide looking to enhance their fleet management operations and sustainability initiatives. WeCar is also available at several military bases and student residences on Oʻahu. To learn more, visit www.wecar.com or www.wecar.com/join.

 

About UH Mānoa’s Commuter and Fleet Services:

The mission of Commuter and Fleet Services (formerly known as Parking and Transportation Services) is to maximize access to the UH Mānoa campus through a commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, resource management, and quality customer service. For more information, visit www.manoa.hawaii.edu/commuter.

 

For more information, visit: http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/commuter