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The student car rental program is likely to begin operations on Drake’s campus next fall and a presentation by its representative received positive feedback from student senators at last week’s meeting. But what exactly is it, and what would it mean for students’ abilities to get around?
What is WeCar?
WeCar is a car-sharing program that works off a membership basis. It is for people who want an alternative method of transportation; it offers lower costs and reduced hassles of traditional transportation.
When did WeCar begin?
Car sharing by Enterprise Holdings Incorporated started July 2007.
How does WeCar Work?
WeCar is a membership car-sharing program that works with members to reserve and use a car for a 24-hour period. WeCar is for members who will be making a round-trip and plan on returning the WeCar to the same location in the 24-hour time period..
How can someone use a WeCar?
You have a reservation to use it. The reservations can be made electronically from any computer or device that is connected to the Internet. After a reservation is made, a WeCar member is able to access, drive and return the vehicle without any paper transactions or help from personnel. It is all dependent on the use of the membership card (the card comes in the welcome kit). The keys for the cars are located inside the glove boxes of the cars. The membership card held over a sensor is what unlocks the car for the initial opening.
How can one become a WeCar member?
To become a WeCar member, go to the application page of the website link provided by your WeCar administrator and sign up. After being approved, WeCar will contact you to schedule an orientation and provide you with a welcome kit that will have your membership card and number.
Is it possible to be a WeCar member if you are under 21 years old?
It is. This would work for a student at one of the WeCar university programs who is between the ages of 18 and 20. There is a parent/guardian consent form that must be filled out with your application. The application can be found online.
What are some of the benefits of WeCar?
Not only would WeCar be able to provide students who have a valid driver’s license and car insurance the ability to use cars on an hourly basis, but it is also trying to prevent the number of cars that are on the road. The cars from WeCar are mainly hybrids and are all very fuel-efficient. WeCar also provides 24-hour, in-house roadside assistance and 24-hour in-house customer care. WeCar members are also supported by Enterprise Rent-A-Car rental branches.
What are other benefits to Drake Students?
WeCar would also be working with a WeCar intern. The intern would gain experience and be able to see how this program would work firsthand at Drake University.
How accessible are WeCars?
WeCar vehicles are available any time of day. WeCars work with an Enterprise Rent-A-Car network of over 5,000 branches, all within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population.
