Streetcar, which offers access to a range of cars and vans on a pay-as-you-go basis, for anything from 30 minutes to months at a time, will add its service to the university halls of residence. The move is designed to complement the University’s Student Travel Plan, introduced to help reduce the volume of cars being brought into the city and provide suitable options for sustainable travel.
The scheme is introducing a university special offer for students and staff that will include half-price membership (£29.50) and £10 driving credit. The first 100 students to join will qualify for free membership for the first year.
With a 90 per cent rise in student members over the past year, Streetcar has become an increasingly popular alternative for those who need occasional use of a vehicle. As well as offering convenience, flexibility and cost effectiveness, the concept has also received recognition for its strong environmental record, challenging people to reconsider the need for car ownership.
Amy Watts, Sustainability Manager (Transport) from the University of Bristol, said: “The provision of this car club provides our students with the flexibility to travel, without needing to bring a vehicle to the University, therefore helping to reduce congestion in the city. It’s great that this scheme can be provided in partnership with Streetcar. It benefits both students and residents in the area and demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling the objectives within our Student Travel Plan.”
Brett Akker, co-founder of Streetcar, said: “With our strong environmental record, coupled with our convenient and flexible service, we’re giving students a very attractive and viable alternative to owning and maintaining a car at university. As such, we hope to make a significant contribution to the City Council and University’s plans to cut congestion and parking issues across the city.”
Streetcar already has 14 locations across the rest of the city. In addition to Bristol, the scheme currently boasts over 1,400 locations across nine other cities; London, Brighton, Cambridge, Southampton, Guildford, Maidstone, Oxford, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Members book a car online or over the phone, as little as 30 minutes ahead of time, and use smartcards to unlock the vehicle. A low-emission VW Polo from the Streetcar service will be located outside Hiatt Baker Hall.