U-Car Share Program Up and Running

12.16.2009 by Jeff Robinson

(KCPW News) U-Haul’s U Car Share program is now up and running in Salt Lake City, with a fleet of 20 cars available for pickup in 18 different locations.  Anyone 18 and older can register for a membership online, then rent the cars by the hour.  Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker anticipates it will lead to fewer cars on the road.

“People will be able to either have fewer cars or no car at all.  This is an inexpensive and really worthwhile alternative to owning a car,” he said today.

Becker added that the program will help improve air quality.  Most of the U-Haul cars stationed in Salt Lake City are hybrids with “Green Vehicle” parking decals, so they can be parked at metered spots for free.  A few trucks are available as well.

Four of the pick-up locations are at the University of Utah.  Alma Allred, the university’s Director of Commuter Services, says the program will be less expensive for students on campus than paying for car insurance and a parking spot year round.

“Say they need to buy a desk and they’re living on campus.  We have a pickup truck in the residence halls that can be rented through U Car Share,” he said.  “They can rent that car for an hour or for two hours, go out, buy a desk and bring it back, and not have to have a car all year long.  If somebody needs to go shopping once a week or once every other week, it’s cheaper than what they would ordinarily have to pay just in insurance.”

The program is offering a discounted enrollment fee until January 15th.  The base rental rate is $4.95 per hour.  Learn more details about pricing and pick-up locations on the U Car Share Website.