Colgate University has partnered with Enterprise Rent-a-Car to launch an on-demand car share program. The new service, which began this September, provides two full-size, all-wheel-drive sedans parked at 100 Hamilton Street that can be reserved 24/7 for personal use.
Colin Idzi, Colgate’s director of transportation, announced the program in an email to the Colgate community.
“This new service allows students, faculty and staff to reserve a vehicle for personal use, whether for an errand, an appointment or an overnight trip,” Idzi wrote.
The program is designed to address the challenge of isolation on campus and limited access to personal transportation. Running errands, attending off-campus appointments or taking weekend trips can be difficult in Hamilton’s rural setting for students without cars. By offering vehicles available to rent by the hour or for the day, Enterprise CarShare aims to bridge that gap.
Sophomore Elliot Johnson, who has his own car on campus, shared his thoughts on this convenience.
“Having a car is a total game-changer compared to freshman year. It makes things like grabbing groceries or snacks so much easier, and it also gives me the ability to visit my brother at Hamilton College on weekends,” Johnson said. “It just makes Colgate feel a lot less isolated when I can go wherever I want. I think increasing the accessibility to personal transportation is a good addition.”
Sophomore Magnus Larson echoed this sentiment.
“I have had my car here for both years now, and honestly, it’s amazing. Whether I am driving three hours out for a hike to explore upstate New York or driving to Syracuse for food, having the ability to drive yourself is great. Spreading the opportunity is good,” Larson said.
To use the system, participants first apply through the CarShare website at EnterpriseCarShare.com/Colgate. Approval may take up to two business days. The program is open to all students, faculty and staff over 18 years of age with a Colgate email address. From there, members of the Colgate community can join a yearly $10 membership and access driving rates starting from $7 an hour and $56 a day, depending on the model, day of the week and time of day. Parking, gas and insurance are all included, and licenses from all over the world are eligible with an International Driver’s Permit. Participants must also have a valid major credit card in their name.
Reservations are then managed through the Enterprise CarShare mobile app. To reserve a car, participants log in to the app, select the vehicle they want and specify how long they will need it. After confirming the start of their reservation, the vehicle will be remotely unlocked, and the keys will be waiting inside. All CarShare vehicles must be picked up and dropped off at the back of the 100 Hamilton Street lot in the parking spaces marked by Enterprise CarShare signs.
Once a rental is completed in the app, the doors will lock, and the rental will end. All cancellations are subject to Enterprise’s cancellation policy, which includes a fee for cancellations within three hours of the reservation start time.
The program reflects Colgate’s broader efforts to expand and improve transportation access. In recent years, the University has introduced shuttle routes, bike-share programs and improved partnerships with regional transit services.
With its focus on accessibility and personal transportation, the Enterprise CarShare service is a practical solution for students who need transportation but cannot deal with the costs or responsibilities of owning a vehicle while at school.
