Unlike state, university finds bargain in operating motor pool

Unlike the state, the University of Nevada, Reno believes it has found a bargain in privatizing its motor pool.

The state put its idea out to bid and found five companies interested. But the lowest bid was about 50 percent higher than what it costs the state to operate its motor pool.

University officials, however, plan to close down their motor pool and contract with Enterprise Car Rental beginning April 14.

"We believe the new service will better serve the campus community as well as improve economy and efficiency," said Ron Zurek of the campus finance department.

He said a department now pays $150 for a one-day rental to drive from Reno to Carlin and back. Enterprise will provide a mid-sized vehicle for that same trip for about $73.

Zurek said it will also give the campus access to a fleet of vehicles in various classes and access to service from more than 50 Enterprise offices around the state as well as expanded weekend and evening service hours.

Because the state bids were higher than what it now costs the state, Director of Administration Perry Comeaux said last week the state has dropped the idea of privatizing the state's 800 vehicle motor pool.

The state is able to provide vehicles to agencies for $28.45 a day and monthly rentals for $342 -- significantly less than the university motor pool's costs.