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Starting this fall, the Flexcar for Undergrads program will offer car rental services for student

For Janet Mizuno, dancing is a way of life. But though she can leap, twirl and groove, the first-year world arts and cultures student doesn’t always have the mobility she desires.

“I would like to take classes at a studio in Hollywood that’s only 20 minutes away, but I would still have to get on the freeway,” Mizuno said. “The only problem is I don’t have a car.”

Many UCLA students cannot rent cars from private companies, which usually require renters to be at least 25 years old.

Though for the past three years UCLA has had a program that allows students 21 years and older to rent cars, the program will be extended to students ages 18 to 20 starting this fall.

The Flexcar car sharing service allows students, faculty and staff to rent low-emission vehicles for hourly or daily rates, which typically run between $8.25 and $12 per hour.

For now, the Flexcar for Undergrads pilot program will be in a trial state, and if there are no major problems renting cars to students ages 18 to 20, it will become permanent, according to Flexcar’s Web site.

All prospective student participants must register to become members and meet certain requirements. Students under 21 must demonstrate a clean driving record, have two years of driving experience, provide $300,000 worth of supplemental insurance coverage, and present proof of parental approval.

All members must also pay an application fee of $35, an annual membership fee of $40 and a refundable $250 security deposit.

Students over 21 do not have to submit a security deposit or parental approval, but do need a good record and additional insurance.

Charles Carter, marketing coordinator for UCLA Transportation Services, said he believes the new program is a valuable one.

“There is a need for transportation when you’re on campus and you don’t have wheels and you’re under 21 – the ability to do this really is a nice thing,” he said.

“The combination of transportation options offered at UCLA, such as Flexcar, could influence a student’s decision whether to come to UCLA and not have to buy a car.”

Students can also rent cars on a monthly basis. Monthly rates start at $97.50 and go up to $825, depending on how many hours renters want to secure.

Rates include gas, premium insurance, unlimited miles, 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, vehicle maintenance and reserved parking at locations around campus.

Due to the high risk of accidents in the 18-to-20 age group, Flexcar will be implementing the Undergrads pilot program tentatively, assessing the results before securing it as a permanent service at the university. For now, most students can rent a vehicle, provided they meet the stringent eligibility requirements, which may help alleviate an excess of damaging effects.

Romy Maxwell, a first-year computer science graduate student, said the service seemed like a good idea for many people who, like him, live off campus but do not have a parking permit.

“There’s a pretty big market for the 18-to-20 age group since, most likely, people who need a car are in that category,” Maxwell said.

UCLA is not alone in its decision to join with Flexcar in the new pilot program. The University of Portland, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, the University of Maryland and Emory University have also extended the Flexcar services to 18- to 20-year-olds.

Mizuno said she would like to use the car service for greater mobility.

“I wish I had a car on campus to get out of this area if I want to,” Mizuno said. “I would use the service, since driving is safer than taking the bus at shady times – like night.”