The Iowa City City Council awarded a contract to ZipCar Inc. Tuesday night for car-sharing services.

"We are really excited about it," said Chris O’Brien, the city’s director of Transportation Services.

The city will start with 10 fuel-efficient cars and, as use goes up, ZipCar can add additional vehicles. The service will run for $7to $9 per hour depending on the vehicle and the day of the week.

According to city documents, Transportation Services will have no financial obligations other than the commitments of staff for marketing assistance and parking spaces for the cars.

ZipCar’s university program allows users 18 and up to rent cars for a roughly $8 hourly fee, plus a $25 yearly membership for faculty, university staff, and students.

— by Kristen East