Campus car-sharing service to expand fleet

UW–Madison transportation officials have agreed with Community Car representatives to expand the car-sharing service on campus, providing more access to another alternative means of getting around.

Through the partnership, UW–Madison Transportation Services plans to add two new cars and locations on campus each year for the next three to five years, up markedly from the current one.

Lance Lunsway, campus transportation services director, says Community Car broadens an already wide range of transportation alternatives offered on campus.

“We’re happy to provide the resources needed to expand Community Car service,” Lunsway says. “UW faculty, staff and students may feel more comfortable taking advantage of the free bus pass and other transportation options, knowing they still have access to a reliable car should a last-minute need arise.”

As part of the agreement, Community Car will maintain the current car location at Helen C. White Hall, plus provide a new Toyota Prius hybrid at both the UW Hospital (Lot 79) and at the Biotechnology Center (Lot 20). During the next three to five years, more cars will be added to these locations and new campus locations will be established.

Lunsway says the program fits in well with the campus master plan, which seeks to provide attractive, economical and environmentally friendly ways of traversing the campus.

“Community Car effectively addresses some of the transportation goals within the campus master plan, such as a reduced need for additional parking on campus, which saves the university money that can be used on other projects,” Lunsway says.

By adding the new vehicles and car locations, neighborhoods surrounding the university also benefit, officials say.

“Because all Community Car vehicles are open to all members, residents living in surrounding neighborhoods experience the positive effects of having a Community Car nearby,” says Amanda White, executive director of Community Car. “By aggressively expanding Community Car on campus, the university is not only providing a valuable service to the campus, they are also supporting the greater good of our city by promoting less traffic congestion in and around campus, improving air quality and fostering community spirit.”

For more information on Community Car, contact White at 204-0000 or amanda@communitycar.com. Visit UW-Transportation Services’ site at http:// www.fpm.wisc.edu or call 262-2666 for more information on Community Car, the free bus pass, flex parking and many other transportation options.