Getting around town can become costly, especially on a student budget, but Transportation Day on Oct. 7 can help students save money.
The event will be held in Brigham Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will promote alternative transportation options for students.
Paul Conrad, manager at the Student Center for Financial Management and Planning, describes this event as a way to help students save money on transportation.
“Paying for college can be challenging,” Conrad said. “A significant component of your cost of attendance is your transportation expense. Bringing a car to campus can drive up your transportation costs even more. In some cases, this may add to the cost of your college education and result in increased borrowing.”
According to Conrad, options provided by Hertz 24/7, The Ryde, Zimride, Bike Sharing and UTA will be featured.
“We are gathering many of the transportation services offered on campus and promoting their services to students,” Conrad said. “Essentially, we are asking students to consider their options and evaluate ways they might reduce their transportation expenses by using these services.”
Brian Marks, the strategic sourcing manager at the BYU Travel Office, explains how Hertz 24/7, a transportation service that began a contract with BYU three years ago, works and why students should consider utilizing this program.
“Hertz provides the vehicles, and BYU provides dedicated parking stalls here on campus,” Marks said. “To gain access to the program, you create a profile with Hertz 24/7 and receive a vehicle entry device. An itemized receipt is emailed to the renter. Fuel, insurance, GPS navigation, 24-hour roadside assistance and in-vehicle communication (tech support) are all included in the rental price.”
“There are several reasons to use the program,” Marks said. “On-campus housing continues to grow with limited parking. Three of the vehicles are parked in housing parking lots. The program reduces the number of cars on campus. Cost renting versus total vehicle ownership is generally less for the average student. Renting a vehicle is much more flexing than taking public transportation.”
