Zipcar Inc. announced Oct. 9 the addition of dozens of new schools to its University program this fall, reaching more than 300 colleges and universities throughout North America.

Zipcar is launching car sharing programs with Arcadia University, Austin Community College, Bentley University, College for Creative Studies, Georgetown University, Gonzaga University, James Madison University, Merrimack College, Michigan Tech University, Montclair State University, Morehouse College, Mount Holyoke College, Notre Dame de Namur University, Salve Regina University, Southern Methodist University, Stetson University, Temple University, Texas Christian University, University of Iowa, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of New Haven, Upstate Medical Center, Villanova University, West Chester University and Wheaton College.

Zipcar expects to add additional schools before the end of the calendar year.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and community partners introduced Zipcar in 2009. "Since the start of the program, the university has seen a 30% reduction in the number of parking permits issued and an increase in the use of active transportation modes, which has helped cut down traffic volumes on campus and made it a safer and healthier place for students, employees and visitors," said Morgan B. Johnston, sustainability and transportation demand management coordinator at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"Due to the Zipcar program at the University of Southern California (USC), the percentage of students, faculty and staff requesting parking passes has been reduced by approximately 6% year-over-year, which has not only lessened the demand for parking but has also helped reduce traffic congestion on and around campus," said Tony Mazza, director of transportation for USC.

The annual membership fee for individuals at participating colleges and universities, as part of Zipcar's continued alliance with Ford, is $25. tates on the vehicles start at $7.50 per hour and $69 per day. The rates include gas, 180 miles of travel per day, insurance, reserved parking spots and roadside assistance.

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