New FIU-Hertz partnership will offer students more mobility

Connect by Hertz at FIU is a car rental program that will be available to students, by the hour or the day, at MMC beginning Aug. 30.

FIU and Hertz have partnered to bring Connect by Hertz at FIU to Panthers beginning Monday, Aug. 30. The company’s program will be making its South Florida debut at FIU.

The Web-based program will enable Panthers to rent a car at Modesto A. Maidique Campus by simply logging onto Connect by Hertz, reserving a car (rates run from $8 per hour or $62 per day) and swiping an active access card to unlock the car, get started and on the road. Included in the rental fees are insurance, gas and 24-hour roadside assistance. The cars will be equipped with technology akin to OnStar’s.

Three hybrid cars will be available for rental at MMC. They will be parked in the lot adjacent to the housing buildings behind the MARC building.

There initially will not be a registration fee for the program. Panthers who join before Oct. 31 using the promo code 1895358 will get their first year’s membership for free. Beginning Nov. 1, registration will cost $25.

Students must be 18 years old and be licensed drivers to rent one of these cars.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, FIU will not be listed on the Connect by Hertz website until after Labor Day.

“We think Connect by Hertz at FIU is an option for students without vehicles to broaden their college experience,” said Bill Foster, FIU’s executive director of Parking & Transportation. Although the program is rolling out at MMC only, if the demand is there, Foster says, Connect by Hertz at FIU may expand and cover Biscayne Bay Campus as well.

“The biggest benefit of this program,” said Peter Trummel, Hertz sales representative for South Florida, “is the flexibility to be able to leave campus. The technology involved represents the future for rent-a-car companies and we are happy to bring it to FIU.”