Unsafe streets, unreliable public transit, unmanageable traffic concerns (trains...) — as students, traveling in Columbia can be a near-daily hurdle. Fortunately, USC has foregone getting involved directly — a blessing in disguise, we’re sure — and is allowing a private company to help with the situation. Hertz Rent-a-Car is recognizing the first anniversary of its Hertz on Demand program, a vehicle rental initiative aimed at supplying students with local transportation.
However, there’s a bit of a wrinkle. After one full year, the program can only boast 400 registered students. The plans for further advertisement basically boil down to talking to freshmen and hoping news of the program will spread by word-of-mouth. It’s obvious that if you want students to use the program, you need stronger advertisement. Without it, the number of registered students won’t push past 400 — or even maintain that level.
Despite this, the clear needs that this program addresses are well worth the wait for its direction to catch stride. With many of us forced to live on campus at during our college careers, the lack of major grocery and retail stores within reasonable walking distance makes what used to be common errands back home a real struggle. On top of this, Columbia cannot provide the types of public transportation that many college towns can and do — quite effectively. And, of course, keeping a car on campus is no picnic, thanks to the lack of parking options.
We hope to see Hertz on Demand grow and become yet another resource for students trying to make their four years at USC a memorable and low-stress time in their lives. However, the word must get out; otherwise, the service will end up being a great tool gone to waste.
