NEWPORT — Whether they wish to drive alongside the world-famous mansions in Newport’s historic neighborhoods, travel down scenic Ocean Drive or take a quick trip to the store, Salve students have “wheels when they want them.”
For the past year, Zipcar, the world's largest car sharing service, has been a welcome addition to Salve University. An alternative to traditional car rental, Zipcar offers students a viable transportation alternative without the stress of having a car on campus.
Dr. Gerald Willis, associate dean of students and director of campus life, explained that the school was prompted to participate in the program to support students who need a car for their everyday lives.
“We are always looking to enhance the quality of the student experience and saw this as a great opportunity for students who don’t have their own car here to have access to one,” he said.
While students can also ride the RIPTA buses for free by showing their Salve ID card, Willis shared that Zipcars are a great way to get around the seaside city.
They’re great, he said, “If you wanted to make a shopping run at a local store and didn’t want to carry everything on the bus, go to a doctor’s appointment or go home for the weekend.”
Students have 24/7 self-service access to two Zipcars parked on campus, a Ford Focus and a Nissan Sentra. After paying $25 to join, students may reserve a car for as low as $7.50 per hour or $69 for the day. There are no restrictions for a student to take part in this program, as long as they are at least 18 years old and a licensed driver. In seconds, students can reserve online or by using their smartphones.
The gas, insurance, reserved parking spots and roadside assistance included in Zipcar rates are some of the best features of the program said Janilia John, a sophomore at Salve.
“It’s really good just to be able to get in and go,” said John, a psychology student from Boston. “Any time, I can go and reserve one. I thought it was going to be so expensive, but it’s not bad at all. The people that know about it think it’s amazing. It’s the best part of having a car without having to get insurance or any of that.”
John shared that the Zipcars are most convenient to freshmen resident students, who are not permitted to have cars on campus or within the city of Newport during the academic year. She feels that Zipcars are a great alternative to that policy.
“It gives them that freedom with driving and being able to get around,” she said. “It is important to them. Now there are options.”
