Zipcar to add Ford Focus to Mason fleet, also dropping fees

A new Ford Focus is soon to be added to Zipcar's fleet of cars available to student who register for the car-rental service. (MSVG)

Zipcar, a car rental service that was introduced last year to the George Mason University campus, will soon add a new Ford Focus to Mason’s fleet of cars that include two Scion XBs and two Toyota Prius.

“As part of this great new program, GMU will have at least one brand new Ford Focus on campus for use by students, faculty and staff,” said Zipcar representative Hadley Quish in an email. “With an exciting all-new model offering high fuel efficiency and the latest technology, we believe these cars will be a hit with students, and will further support our campus partners’ efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Ford Motor Company, which recently began a partnership with Zipcar, will also deduct $10 off the annual  $35 registration fee, dropping the fee to $25 and deduct $1 per hour off the normal hourly rate, said Quish.

The Zipcar/Ford program will last for two academic years and will end on Aug. 31, 2013.

“With this partnership, we’re improving upon the Zipcar campus program promise of vehicle variety and low-cost access to ’wheels when you want them’” said Quish.

According to the GMU Zipcar website students can join the program for $25 dollars a year, and can reserve a car for $8 per hour, or $66 a day, on weekdays; prices increase to $9 per hour or $72 a day on weekends. Prices include gasoline, insurance and 180 “free” miles of travel, with additional mileage charged at $.45 per mile.

In addition to Zipcar, Mason students without a car can take advantage of the Mason Shuttle system, the CUE bus system or Zimride, a private ridesharing network.