Zipcar Car Sharing
Zipcar is the world’s largest car-sharing program, offering self-service, on-demand rental cars by the hour or day. Cars are available in the East Campus Garage to CMU faculty, staff and students that meet the rental criteria and have a Zipcar membership.
Who can rent a car?
CMU faculty, staff and students that are at least 18 years old, and have had a valid driver's license for at least two years, may apply for Zipcar membership and rent vehicles through the university. Drivers cannot have more than two incidents (moving violations plus accidents) in the past three years, and no more than one incident in the past 18 months. Drivers with an international driver’s license must provide copies of their records from the relevant authorities. Zipcar does not require parental consent or additional liability coverage for membership.
How does the rental process work?
To join, drivers must apply for Zipcar membership by completing a Zipcar application. Zipcar then processes the application and completes a driving record check. You will be notified within two days whether your application has been accepted. Once accepted, you will receive a Zipcard in the mail, which you will use to access your rental vehicles.
To rent a car, log onto the Zipcar website or app to make a reservation. CMU’s Zipcar vehicles are located in the East Campus Garage on the Pittsburgh campus. Go to the vehicle at your designated reservation time and tap your Zipcard on the windshield, or use the Zipcar app, to unlock the car. When leaving the garage, press the “Help” button at the gate to exit. (If you pay to exit, you will not be reimbursed by the university.)
Use the card or app to lock and unlock the vehicle throughout your trip – the keys should remain in the car at all times. At the end of your trip, return your vehicle to the East Campus Garage (pull a ticket or press the “Help” button at the gate to enter) and lock it before leaving. You will be emailed a summary of your charges.
What is the cost to join Zipcar?
The membership fee to join Zipcar is $35 a year. CMU community members do not need to pay an application fee.
Can I get a business membership and use Zipcar for business travel?
At this time, only personal memberships are available to the CMU community. A Zipcar can, however, be used for business purposes. A member is emailed a summary of charges after each reservation, which can be submitted via an expense report for reimbursement.