The University of South Carolina is partnering with Zipcar, the world’s leading car-sharing network, to offer on-demand access to vehicles to students, faculty and staff on the Columbia campus.
Members of the campus community ages 18 and older — along with community members ages 21 and older — will have the ability to check out a car by the hour whenever they’d like via the Zipcar app (Apple, Google Play).
“We are grateful to USC Parking and Transportation for their partnership in expanding opportunities for students to travel efficiently throughout Columbia,” said Courtney Tkacs, USC student body president. “Through Zipcar, students without personal vehicles on campus will now have convenient access to destinations across the city for shopping, dining, internships, and other needs.”
There are 10 Zipcar vehicles across five locations across campus where students, faculty and staff can check out and drop off cars:
- Russell House Bookstore across from Women’s Quad.
- Top level of the Campus Village garage.
- Capstone House.
- Pendleton Street Garage.
- 650 Lincoln Garage.
Access to shared vehicles can reduce the need for personal vehicles around campus, which can decrease congestion and carbon emissions. Zipcar estimates that participating universities have reduced carbon emissions by 275 million pounds.
According to a survey conducted of participating universities, almost 60 percent of students were able to get to an important destination affordably and almost 90 percent of respondents can explore places inaccessible by public transit.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the University of South Carolina to the Zipcar community and provide Gamecocks with a convenient, reliable way to access a car without the cost and hassle of owning a one,” said Kate Smith, head of business to business and partnerships at Zipcar. “Why pay for a car and all its expenses — gas, parking, maintenance, insurance — when you can simply drive one only when you need it?”
This partnership between Parking and Transportation Services and student government is one of many initiatives the university has started to improve parking and transportation on campus.
This is the latest initiative from Parking and Transportation Services and student government to provide new options for the campus community like launching the ParkUSC app (Apple, Google Play), starting the late night shuttle prgram and installing a parking guidance system in Bull Street Garage.
“The Zipcar program is a unique and collaborative effort between our department and the Student Government,” said Brian Favela, director of parking and transportation services. “We are proud to be able to find solutions together for our entire student body and continue building on what’s already a fantastic student experience here at USC.”
For the first time ever, Zipcar is offering university personnel — students, faculty and staff — free membership for a year. This is a limited time offer and will run through Aug. 14, 2026. Members of the community and those who register after the offer can pay $9 monthly or register for an annual membership for $90.