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The Victoria Car-Share Co-op (VCSC) is a non-profit cooperative
(established in 1996), which shares the ownership and use of vehicles.
It offers members an opportunity to utilize alternative modes
of transportation, such as transit, walking, and cycling, but
still have access to a vehicle for other needs. Car sharing is
affordable because the ownership, insurance and maintenance of
the vehicles are shared among members of the Co-operative. Membership
costs include a one-time refundable share, a small monthly administration
fee, and any usage fees accumulated. Usage fees are based on distance
and the amount of time the vehicle has been booked.
In the last year, VCSC has doubled the number of vehicles (4
cars, 1 van, and 1 truck with a locked canopy) in its fleet and
increased membership by 40 per cent. Its vehicles are located
in Downtown Victoria, Fairfield, Fernwood, James Bay, Oak Bay,
and the University of Victoria. Additional vehicles will be added
to other neighbourhoods as membership continues to increase.
The success of the VCSC is due to the hard work of an elected
volunteer Board of Directors, the co-operation of members, and
a part-time Operations Manager. VCSC Board members are working
to sustain and expand membership throughout Greater Victoria.
The idea of car sharing is not just local. It exists all over
Canada and Europe, and there is a local co-op in Vancouver. To
further develop the functionality and accessibility of car sharing,
a working relationship between VCSC and Vancouver’s Cooperative
Auto Network (CAN) has also been established. VCSC members have
access to CAN’s vehicles and vice versa. This co-operation
helps decrease the number of automobiles on the ferry between
the two cities.
For more information about VCSC call: 995-0265, email: info@victoriacarshare.ca
or visit our website:
http://www.victoriacarshare.ca.
-contributed by Tara Tompkins, Marketing Director, Victoria
Car Share Co-op
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