Car sharing program zips UMKC, Rockhurst motorists around town

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Forgot the bus or hailing a cab, there’s a new way for some motorists to zip around town.

The University of Missouri – Kansas City and Rockhurst University are taking part in a car sharing program known as Zipcars.

It’s designed for students, but will be available to anyone in the community. Users can drive up to 180 miles a day.

Cars start at $7 per hour or $66 per day, and the program starts next Wednesday.

“You reserve it online; It tells you where the car will be, you go to the location,” said Bob Simmons, associate vice chancellor of administration at UMKC. “You present your car. It recognizes the card and unlocks the car. It’s fueled. The keys are in it and ready for you to go.”

The membership fee is normally $35 per year, but the schools are offering a $10 discount for the launch.