Need a car to make a quick trip up the Coast for an appointment or meeting and don't have access to one? A new car sharing program set to launch on the Coast could be the solution to your problem.
Johan Stroman, executive director of Coast Car Co-op, made a presentation to the Town of Gibsons committee of the whole on July 23.
Stroman said car sharing is designed for local users in support of community transit and environmental goals. Its mission, vision and values lead to actions aimed at decreasing personal car ownership, reducing vehicle distance travelled, improving urban land use and development, providing affordable access to vehicles for all constituencies, as well as motivating residents to walk, cycle and take buses.
The Car Sharing Association is an umbrella group supporting some 20 car shares across North America, Stroman said. Currently, over 101,000 members in Canada share 3,143 vehicles through 19 car shares across the country, including five in B.C.
He said the program differs from traditional car rental services in many ways including: not being limited by office hours; reservation, pick up and return are all self-service; vehicles can be rented on a 15-minute, hourly or daily basis; users are members and have been pre-approved to drive; vehicle locations are distributed throughout the service area; the co-op fees cover collision and comprehensive insurance; fuel costs are included; and vehicles are not cleaned and fueled after each use.
With some 40 people already registered via our website and interest from local businesses, we are aiming for a launch date in the fall, Stroman said. A business model was developed this spring via the FUSE work hub's Ignite program.
At the late May Barnraisers event hosted by FUSE, more than 120 people were on hand to see this and other projects. The Coast Car Co-op won the People's Choice award by those who attended.
Stroman said they are in the process of registering as a non-profit co-operative and are discussing ways to collaborate with Vancouver's original car share MODO.
The intent is to launch in Gibsons with five vehicles, and through social media and promotional outreach, to increase membership to support additional vehicles further up the Coast, he said. Gibsons is the portal to the Sunshine Coast. As the largest community near the ferry terminal, it has sufficient population to support a viable car share, many community members who can benefit and a culture supportive of innovative, community-based efforts.
To sign up, there is a one-time $500 fully refundable membership fee (second household member $250) and $25 per registration (more details to come). To drive (proposed): $3.25 per hour (by half-hour increments); $0.45 per km and $3 per booking fee. For small businesses a similar membership: $7 per hour (with 100 km included per day). To be eligible for the program, you must be 19 years old with a three-year driving history with no driving convictions.
Following his presentation, which was enthusiastically accepted by all members of council, Stroman asked for a letter of support from the Town, which would be used to help aid in securing funding from financial and other supporting institutions.
Council directed staff to draft a letter, which will come to the July 30 meeting of council for final approval.
Learn more about the project at www.coastcarco-op.ca.
