Smart card technology is at the heart of a new car sharing program for the University of South Florida. The school is joining other colleges across the country in providing communal transportation. The WeCar program provides rental cars for short trips at hourly rates.

A smart card is available to students and faculty for $20. Reservations are made online and the card is swiped on the front windshield to unlock the car parked in a designated spot on campus. A key is kept inside the car. When the trip is over, the car is returned to its spot and locked again using the smart card. Students pay for the amount of time they need the car. Use is not restricted to campus applications. WeCars can be used for overnight trips as well. The price of gas is included in the hourly fee and a prepaid gas card is kept in the car at all times.
School administrators are anticipating huge benefits from this program. The WeCar program using smart technology provides a convenient form of transportation for students who have to navigate around the 1,900-acre campus. Parking is an issue as well for the university. With the number of parking permits greatly exceeding the number of spaces, the school is hoping that the car sharing program using smart card technology will cut down on congestion. Program users are also looking to see environmental benefits by cutting down on carbon emissions.