Car-sharing company Zipcar is partnering with Austin Community College to help students with transportation needs for its Rio Grande campus at 1212 Rio Grande St.

As of Sept. 19, students, faculty and staff have access to two Zipcar vehicles. The partnership is part of the college's sustainability initiative to eliminate waste by using fewer resources and using less energy, according to the ACC website.

"Austin is a really exciting market for us. We are thrilled to be extending our presence in the Austin community," Zipcar Public Relations Manager Colleen McCormick said.

McCormick said that Zipcar's presence on the Rio Grande campus will hopefully relieve demand for parking and congestion.

Zipcar offers a discounted rate of $25 for an annual membership fee for ACC students, faculty and staff. The company offers daily rates starting at $7.75 per hour and $69 per day, according to ACC's website.

The company has 40 different vehicles for use in Austin, including SUVs, hybrids, sedans and hatchbacks. Zipcar's first office in Austin opened in April.

Zipcar users may view available vehicles on a map on either the ACC or the Zipcar website and choose the preferred location of pickup/drop-off. Gas and insurance are included in the price at 180 miles per day.

Although Zipcar does not have plans to expand at this point, McCormick said the company would love to have Zipcar at other ACC campuses.

How to use Zipcar:

1. Fill out an application online at the Zipcar website.

2. Reserve a vehicle online at the Zipcar website or over the phone at 1-866-494-7227.

3. Receive your Zipcar card key in the mail or pick it up at the Austin office at 107 E. 10th St.

4. Pick up your vehicle using the card key.

5. Return the vehicle to the same location for drop-off.