ZIPCAR LOVE STORY

A ZipCar Love Story: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly By Juliet Davidson

A survey conducted by ZipCar in 2015 found that nearly 1 in 10 adults have pulled over for a quickie while road tripping in their ZipCar. Perhaps this data makes you wonder why the ZipCar was returned fifteen minutes late that one time. Perhaps this data makes you question why you’ve never had a little afternoon delight in a ZipCar. Or perhaps this data makes you worry if everyone knows about that time you boned in a ZipCar. Regardless of whether your curiosity is driven by guilt or concern, the intrigue of the lewd tall tales remains. While a statistical analysis on the frequency and quality of hookups in the Hamilton ZipCar is unavailable (as nobody has or wants to have that informa- tion), there is intelligence on the popularity of the ZipCar for its intended purpose, which is– if you’ve forgotten– to drive. A few first-year students in particular can attest to the car’s profound input on their first-year experiences, as they were frequent fliers of the communal Honda CRV. I conferenced with him to discuss the benefits, drawbacks, accessibility, and mystery of the beloved ZipCar.

With cars at over 600 campuses, ZipCar has given college students the ability to “drive on or off campus whenever, wherever.” “With fiscal leniency for a membership” doesn’t flow well with the rest of the tagline. The company offers discount prices for college students, which entail hourly rates from $8.50 an hour and a $25 annual payment. While further fees apply for late returns, a free gas card and insurance is included with each auto. Many see the fiduciary responsibilities as part of the deal, though, and understand the car has a balance of pros and cons. One student put his strained relationship with the beemer with great, reflective eloquence: “ZipCar is like life: sometimes you get the best thrill surrounded by your bestest friends, and sometimes you drive that sh*t into the brink of existence”

Some students commented on how the car became a coveted resource for them given their carelessness on campus. Their story is familiar to some. The trips were sporadic, a little treat after a long week of hustling on the hill. However, the great convenience and optimal location in the Dunham parking lot escalated the regularity of rental; it quickly turned into an impassioned affair. However, the abrupt dismissal of the student body from campus has left these students with a less barren wallet and Clinton, New York with just that much lower carbon emissions.

I’ve often pondered what rides through ZipCar’s conscious: “Whose aux chord is this? What’s with all the Cardi B? Why can’t first-years drive? I know I’m for hire, but that makes me feel cheap. Hard for me to negotiate. On the road, I am but one with the crowd. The Great Pretender. Like syphilis. Like the idiots that reclined the backseat all the way and failed to use a rubber. Anyways, I’m out of gas.”