NORMAL -- Illinois State University hopes a new car-sharing program eventually will make for a greener, less car-congested campus.

The ISU-Hertz Car Sharing Initiative was unveiled Thursday, during ISU's annual quad fall festival. The member-based program, which begins Oct. 1, makes four cars available for rent - for $8 per hour or $60 per day.

But it's not just another car rental service.

What makes a car-sharing program different, and why its custom made for a campus environment is its mission of making carpooling an easier option and its outreach to drivers 18- to 24-years old, who aren't traditionally eligible to rent cars, said Mike O'Grady, grounds operations and ISU's vehicle fleet.

"We'd like to reduce the number of vehicles on campus," he said. That would help with congested parking, it would fall in line with ISU's environmental efforts, and it would serve as an educational model for students.

On Thursday, O'Grady and Enid Cardinal, ISU's sustainability coordinator, talked with students about the new program - while showing off a hybrid white Prius parked near the quad's flagpole.

The initial share-car fleet will include two of the Prius model, a Ford Escape and a Mitsubishi Galant.

"But we could expand that, if the need exists," he said.

Connect By Hertz allows card-carrying members to rent one of the cars for as little as one hour, or up to a few days.

With a membership, a valid driver's license and good driving record are prerequisites. But the ISU/Hertz program covers costs of insurance, fuel, roadside assistance, maintenance and cleaning. Each car also is equipped with a GPS navigational system.

ISU student Caroline Suhadolnik of Springfield stopped at the Hertz booth on Thursday with fellow student Cody Stratman from Elgin. The pair said they doubted they'd use the car for local trips.

"The buses are cheaper, or I'd get a ride from a friend with a car," said Stratman. But Suhadolnik, who uses the train for out-of-town travel said she might explore the possibility of renting one of the share cars for a day-trip.

Members can reserve, drive and return vehicles all on their own - via the internet or phone, said Courtney McCaughrin, of Hertz. She demonstrated the car's key card for students on Thursday.

ISU's green team says the partnership builds on other ISU efforts to have such as Reggie Ride - a bicycle sharing program; Ride Share - which encourages students to catch rides out of town with fellow students; and Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System's ISU-tailored programs - such as the Redbird Express and Nite Ride.

Hertz also has similar programs on other U.S. campuses, including the 50,000-student Iowa State University, said O'Grady.

He said the move to car-sharing programs is gaining popularity among college campuses. The University of Illinois-Urbana, for example uses a program called Zip Car, he added.

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ISU car sharing

ISU-selected program: Several car-share programs are turning up on U.S. campuses. ISU will use Connect by Hertz.

Who is eligible: Program targets campus community, but memberships also are available to the public. ISU faculty, staff and students get $25 annual membership fee waived for first year.

Where cars will stay: Two vehicles will be parked in a lot near Watterson Towers on the east side of campus. Another two will stay outside Tri Towers on west campus.

How it works: Members interested in using a vehicle sign up online for open time slots. A member-issued ID will unlock the car, and provide access to car keys.

More information: www.connectbyhertz.com

SOURCE: Mike O'Grady, ISU fleet director