How to get the benefits of a car while staying eco

Car sharing gives you the benefits of a car in an eco-friendly fashion

Lets face it, in an urban world, there are just some times where we need to have a car. From  picking up friends or family at the airport and transporting furniture or big purchases to simply wanting to get out of town for the week-end, the use of a car is imminent.

In my day to day life, I fortunately do not need a car.  I use the metro (subway) to get to work and can walk to all necessary stores and services. This is one of the reasons I believe living in a urban centre is actually quite eco. However, there are times where I legitimately need a car. So here’s what I did, I became one of 20,000 Canadians that signed up for car-sharing. I did it with Communauto.

About car sharing:

Car sharing is one of the coolest trends in the “eco” movement and is practiced around the world, especially in Europe. It started in Switzerland in 1987 and made its way to North America via Quebec in 1993. It entails sharing a car with others through an organisation, only when you need it. It is the perfect compliment to someone like me who uses public transport but needs a car from time to time. It has apparently become so popular in the urban eco movement that new condo developments are being built with parking spaces available for cars from car-sharing companies only.

My experience with car sharing:

In Montreal, I joined Communauto who have existed in Québec for over 15 years and have over 300 locations throughout the city. Their service has proved so successful that they can’t even advertise because demand is growing so fast!

I pay a nominal membership fee. With the package I chose, I pay $7 a month plus a small fee for the time and mileage of each trip I make. They have a fleet of Toyota Echos and Matrix’s. Gas, insurance and repairs are all included in my membership cost and if ever I get into an accident, I have a $0 deductible. Once I have reserved a car either online or by phone, I simply take the car’s key from the lock box located in the parking lot. It’s that simple – user operated.

Communauto provides its members with exclusive access to its vehicles. By becoming a Communauto subscriber, you gain access to a fleet of cars that you can reserve at low cost for a half-hour, an hour, a day or longer, according to your needs. Located in the heart of your neighbourhood, the cars are available without delay, 24/7.

Benefits of car sharing:

• Reduces air pollution and congestion
• Cheaper than owning a car
• All the benefits of needing a car without the hassles of repairs, insurance, gas and maintenance
• Convenient – available 24/7
• Perfect for hourly use
• Gas is free
• It’s cool

An introduction to car sharing – CBC.ca

How to find a car sharing organisation near you:

Even if you don’t live in gorgeous Montreal, don’t lose interest. Here is a list of car sharing operators throughout the world. One of the biggest in North America is Zipcar who is located across urban centres and even on some university campuses. In Canada, a great reference is Car sharing in Canada.

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