Vehicle Rentals

Vehicle Rentals

Seattle University Public Safety and Transportation supports our campus community with a limited number of vans available to rent in support of student and academic programs.

When community demand exceeds our van resources, we have partnered with Enterprise Rent-a-Car to coordinate additional rental vehicles. Vehicles rented from Enterprise will have to be picked up and dropped off at the Enterprise office off campus during their business hours. To pick up the Enterprise reserved vehicle, the confirmed authorized driver will need to go to the Enterprise Capitol Hill office located at 1605 Boylston Ave. Seattle (Just North of Boylston and Pine St. by the Seattle Central parking garage). The Enterprise office is open Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM and Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM to pick up and drop off vehicles. 

All rental vehicle drivers must complete the steps to become a university authorized driver and all vehicle rentals are paid via department budget. 

Driver Requirements

SU is currently using a mix of Enterprise vehicles and SU-owned vehicles. Current minimum driver ages are as follows: 

Additionally, all drivers must complete an application and training to be considered for approval as an Authorized Driver. Only Authorized Drivers will be able to drive vehicles. Find out more about becoming an Authorized Driver by clicking here.

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Current Rental Rates

SU Van Charges (Subject to Change):    

For trips over 250 miles, ONE-WAY, a second driver will be required to be authorized and present when picking up the rental.

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Become an Authorized Driver

Your driver authorization is valid until the end of the current academic year. All drivers must reapply for each academic year they wish to continue being a driver. All rental vehicle drivers must be at least 19 years old and complete the following steps to become a university authorized driver:

1. Fill out the Driver Authorization Application. Make sure to complete all sections, including the section at the top to authorize a review of your driving record and the section at the bottom which must be completed by a Manager on behalf of the club/organization/department that you will be driving for.
   
   
2. Complete Driver Safety Training by logging in to your account at United Educators and complete the following modules. After completion of each module, print/save your certificate of completion to include with your application. 
   • Defensive Driving Strategies: Get There Safely (required for all drivers)
   • Driver Safety Fundamentals (required for 19-20 year old drivers, recommended for all drivers)
   • Passenger Van Safety (required to rent/drive 12-passenger vans)
     
     
3. Submit your completed Application for Vehicle Driver Authorization and your training completion certificates at the Department of Transportation office during posted business hours, or submit a scanned and legible copy of all documents to VanRental@seattleu.edu. Allow at least two business weeks for processing of your application. You will be notified of your authorization status by e-mail from VanRental@seattleu.edu.

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Rent a Vehicle

In order to book a rental, you will need to take the following steps:

1. All bookings are made through the EMS Web App (formerly VEMS). If you do not have an account already for the EMS Web App, you can apply for one here: EMS Web App Account Request
2. Once you have an active account and are logged in on the EMS Web App, navigate to the "My Home" section and select the "book now" option on the "Request a Van Rental" line
3. Follow the instructions and prompts to book your rental. Rentals must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. 
4. If you are a student who is booking the rental, you will need to fill out and submit the Student Vehicle Budget Approval Form
5. Look for a confirmation e-mail coming from VanRental@seattleu.edu. If you have not received a confirmation e-mail within 5 days of your scheduled travel date, please contact VanRental@seattleu.edu and provide the details of your booking so we can assist you.
6. Van checkout is currently located in the Columbia Building, Room 002. For assistance with after-hours rentals, please contact Public Safety at 206-296-5990. All drivers must be present and must show a valid driver's license in order to receive keys and paperwork. Paperwork must be completed before and after the trip.
7. After the trip, ensure that the vehicle is returned to the designated parking area, that the vehicle is turned off and is properly secured, that all trash and personal belongings are removed, and that it is returned with at least 1/2 tank of fuel remaining. Return the keys and completed paperwork to the drop-box located inside the front doors of the Columbia Building (accessible by Campus Card).

Rent a Bus

Seattle University departments may book First Student Charter Bus rentals, payable from departmental budgets.  School bus rental prices range from $60 to $125 per hour (Prices vary based on distance and duration. Minimum trip time and other restrictions may apply). 

A First Student Charter Bus can fit up to 48 adults per bus.

First Student Charter Bus Rental is a great way to transport large groups for events like retreats, conferences, and more. If you are interested in receiving a quote, please fill out the Seattle University Bus Rental Request Form.

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