The Ginsberg Center vehicles are for use by students in Ginsberg-sponsored programs only. We do not currently offer vehicles for individual student internships, student organizations, or for community-engaged courses, but we have provided other options for organization leaders and instructors below. If you have any questions after reviewing this page, please contact us at [email protected].
Requesting Vehicles through the Ginsberg Center
Who may request a Ginsberg Center vehicle?
Participants in Ginsberg Center programs or Ginsberg sponsored student organizations may request a vehicle for use to reach your community partner site, or for other project related transportation. These vehicles are not intended for personal business.
In order to use vehicles available through Ginsberg Transpo, you must complete a registration and training process. Please visit the Ginsberg Transpo page to begin that process.
The Ginsberg Center is not currently able to provide vehicle rental for student organizations beyond our Ginsberg SSOs. We will revisit this policy for Winter 26.
When should I request a Ginsberg Center vehicle?
Vehicle Requests must be made 72 hours in advance.
Will I always get a vehicle if I request one?
We try to accommodate all reasonable requests but you may not always get a reservation confirmed, based on vehicle availability. We reserve the cars to be used for Ginsberg programs and initiatives, and they will have priority. You must be Ginsberg Transpo certified to request a vehicle.
Who may drive a Ginsberg Center vehicle?
Only drivers who have completed the Ginsberg Transpo registration and training process, have a valid driver's license, and have been approved by the Transportation Coordinator may drive Ginsberg vehicles.
Who can be a passenger in a Ginsberg Center vehicle?
Only other persons in your group or affiliated with your program may ride in a Ginsberg Center vehicle.
Can I drive by myself?
You may reserve a vehicle if you are the only person going to your site, but please carpool whenever possible. If necessary, you may be assigned to carpool with someone else. You will receive that person's name and contact information with your approval of your vehicle request. It is your responsibility to arrange a meeting place and time.
Where can I drive a Ginsberg Center vehicle?
Only to and from the location designated by your program coordinator or group leader. Ginsberg vehicles are not intended for personal business.
Driving University Vehicles
Where can I park?
You CANNOT park in any Gold Permit, UM Service Vehicle, or Handicap spaces. You MAY ONLY park in UM Business Vehicle spaces or regular Blue parking spaces. If you are returning a vehicle to the Ginsberg Center, please park in the Hill St. (S8) or Church St. (E8) Parking Structures.
Does the University pay for parking tickets or moving violations?
NO! You are responsible for all tickets AND towing fees! Furthermore, we get records from Transportation so any tickets that have been lost, thrown away or ignored will be made known to us and if it is not paid by the person who signed out that vehicle, that person will lose all driving privileges.
Where do I get gas?
If you are driving a vehicle as part of a Ginsberg program, please do not buy gas at a gas station; you may fill up the vehicles at Transportation Services. There are directions to Transportation Services in your key bag. If you are driving a vehicle as part of a student organization, you are responsible for replacing the amount of gas used in the vehicle. The Ginsberg Center does not cover the cost of your gas.
Either way, do not return the car empty! There must be at least a half tank of gas in the car when you return it.
Can I drive in bad weather?
If the weather conditions are very bad, check your email for a message from the Ginsberg Center, or call the Transportation Coordinator (763-3548) before you come to pick up your vehicle. If we decide weather conditions are too bad we will cancel all vehicle use. It is your responsibility to inform your site contact that you will not be coming in.
Please listen for school closings on the radio, if your community partner is school-related; if schools are closed, you will not have site.
What do I do if I'm sick?
It is your responsibility to inform your site contact, and the Transportation Coordinator, if you will not be coming in. If you are carpooling with others you need to inform them as well. If you can't get a hold of the others in your group you may call the Ginsberg Center and leave a message or e-mail the Transportation Coordinator ([email protected]).
What happens if I don't follow the rules?
Driving a University Vehicle is a privilege not a right! If you fail to follow any of the rules you may lose your driving privileges.
Arranging Vehicles for Community-Engaged Courses or Student Organizations
Other options
The Ginsberg Center does not manage vehicles for instructors teaching community-engaged courses or programs, or for student organization projects.
- The University offers multiple options on their Transportation website, though many or all of these transportation options may have been disrupted during the Covid-19 crisis.
- Faculty can rent vans/buses through the University.
- UM does not rent to individual students. Students can use UM vehicles if they have an affiliated account through a sponsored student organization account.
- Students can use their Mcards for free rides on public transportation via AATA & TheRide, in addition to UM buses. Learn more here.
- The D2-A2 Bus can also be an option for students doing work in Detroit.
- If a faculty member wants to cover the cost of vehicle rentals for students, you can establish an account students could then use.
- LSA Faculty can use LSA-CARS, managed by the Residential College, which provides transportation support for Community-Engaged LSA courses.
- U-M Detroit Center offers a Detroit Transportation Grant Program