ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Customers of Payless Car Rental System Inc. can now receive $5 for each friend, family member or business associate they refer that rents a Payless vehicle.

Customers complete the referral card designed as a hang tag placed on the rear view mirror and provide the referral card to a friend looking to rent a vehicle. After the referred customer presents the card during the rental process, a check for $5 is issued to the original customer.

"The referral program is just one of several value-added programs that provide savings and benefits to our loyal customers," said Kathy Johnson, vice president of relationship management for Payless Car Rental System. "Over the past six months we've seen significant increases in business in an industry that has been down, and we can credit much of our ongoing success to these programs."

Payless is experiencing growth in a number of areas, the company said. Reservations to date for July have increased more than 54% over the same period last year.

Contributing to the company's success is the franchise expansion servicing international airports. Recently opened airport locations include Jacksonville and San Diego.

An additional 25 franchises are scheduled to open in 2003. The company said it expects the size of its rental fleet to increase by 40% by the end of the year.

The referral program also includes a $5,000 reward for customers and franchisees who refer a business owner or company that ultimately becomes a Payless franchisee.