Published: August 01, 2009 11:26 pm      

WVU launching first hourly rental car program

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is introducing its first hourly rental car program, called WE Car, on Wednesday.

Students who live on campus and academic departments seeking to cut back on travel expenses may access a hybrid rental car on a short-term basis. The rental charge is $9 per hour, which includes insurance coverage and fuel. Drivers may rent a car for a maximum of 15 hours per day.

Two Toyota Prius hybrids will be parked on Maiden Lane beside the Mountainlair and two more at the Evansdale Residential Complex.

“These hybrid-powered cars are great for people who do not or cannot bring a car to campus, and there’s an environmentally friendly bonus to them,” said Hugh Kierig, director of transportation and parking. “WE Car is part of our WE GO! campaign for alternative transportation and will help reduce the parking demand in and around the WVU campuses.”

Drivers can sign up online to rent a WE Car at http://transportation.wvu.edu/wego/we_car. WE Car eligibility is limited to people 18 years or older, and those under 21 must provide parental consent for additional insurability.

After registering online, go to http://wecar.com to login and reserve a car. Once drivers reserve their time and location preference, a car will be assigned to them.

At 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, a WE Car will be on display in front of the Mountainlair. University President James Clements will attend the car-sharing launch, and members of the community may attend and learn more about the program.

For more information on WE Car and WVU Transportation and Parking’s WE GO programs, visit http://transportation.wvu.edu.