Don't Buy a Car -- Share One

No car? No problem, says The Hertz Corp. The vehicle rental company is taking its car sharing program to students at The Ohio State University and Pepperdine University so that they can get around without owning a car.

They can book their hybrid cars online for free or over the phone for $3.50 and receive confirmation through e-mail and texts. They swipe their member card over a reader on the windshield to open the vehicle at the confirmed spot and later return it to the same spot.

University students, faculty and staff can drive one of about 10 vehicles that they pick up around campus 24 hours every day, the company reports. They can decide from an array of hybrids such as the hybrids Toyota Prius, the Toyota Camry or the Ford Escape. They can also reserve their spot up to six months in advance.

Connect by Hertz will not charge university drivers a membership fee, but they will charge their debit or credit cards at least $8 per hour depending on the car they choose. The hourly rate covers gas, insurance, maintenance, parking and 180 miles. If drivers drop the car off late or go over 180 miles in a day, they have to pay additional fees.

The cars include a navigation system, a hands-free audio kit to contact the member center and technology that member care center representatives can use to unlock and locate the vehicle.

Members must be at least 18 years old and have a clean driving record. If they earn a ticket or fine, they have to pay it just like they owned the car. The same goes for damaging the car: They would shell out $250 for the deductible.

Connect by Hertz started operating in London, Paris and New York City in 2008.

For more information, visit Connect by Hertz.

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