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Victoria Car Share Co-op

Questions and Answers

What is a Car Share Co-Op?

It is shared ownership, instead of private ownership.

What are its main benefits?

Car sharing reduces vehicle ownership expenses. It's great for peoples who need a car once in a while, and don't want any hassles associated with owning a car. People who share cars tend to drive less, so sharing can reduce traffic, air and noise pollution and other social costs, including health. If you are environmentally minded (more than lip service, that is) car sharing is for you!

The VCSC provide a neutral, non-for-profit, user based service, where the members win!

Are there other Car Share Co-ops?

The idea started in Europe, where there are over 50,000 members of car share organizations.

In Canada, there is car sharing organization in Quebec City (since 1994) and Montreal (since 1995) with close to 1000 members and 70 vehicles. In Vancouver (since 1996), 300 drivers share 20 vehicles, while in Toronto (since 1997) 100 drivers share 5 vehicles.

There is also interest in Ottawa (ON), Edmonton (AB) and Nelson (BC).

Go to the History or Links page for more infos!

What will it cost me to join?

$400 deposit - your share in vehicle ownership (4 x $100 Common Shares). You share give you membership privilege and one (1) vote at the General Meetings where important decisions are made (price rate, structure, developments, etc.)
Usage fee based on distance ($0.35 per km) and time ($2.00 per hour) for running costs. (Discount when doing 100 kms+, inquire).
$20 monthly administration fee, covering daily administration costs (Note: if one month you don't use a vehicle you won't be billed!)
$1 per share monthly contengency fee. This reserv fund helps in covering unexpected expenses, associated with cars.
Prices are subject to applicable taxes. (Share purchase is NOT taxed).

How much will I save by joining?

It depends on how much you drive! Driving is by nature expensive. Heavy drivers are better off having their own vehicle. Carsharing is good if you need a reliable vehicle part-time, for local use. See the Cost Comparison for more details.

Who looks after the cars?

We have a paid fleet manager that takes care of the detail: vehicles maintenance, repairs, cleaning, insurances, administration, etc. The monthly administration fees, the charge per hour and per kilometers is enough to cover all those expenses!

But of course all members have to look at the cars, in the sense that if you detect a problem, it's important to contact ASAP the management in order that it may be fixed promptly!

How do I reserve a car?

You call the 24h reservation line, where a friendly staff will take your bookings. Reservation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Experience showed that when you book 2-3 days ahead, a car is almost always available.

Can I take the car away on holidays? Anytime?

Yes - you just have to book in advance. It's based on a first come, first served principle. Members can contact each others to make arrangements.

Where do I pick up the car's keys?

The cars' keys are stored in a lockbox located on the car. Members all have a master key opening those lockbox.

Can my family drive, too?

Yes - you can have one family member at no extra cost! Go to the cost page for details!

Can my friend drive, too?

Yes - you can have one associate member! An associate member needs to buy one only (1) extra share (refundable) to join. Go to the cost page for details!

What kind of cars does the co-op own?

We have a 1998, 2 doors Toyota Tercel, a 7 seats minivan and a 1992 compact pickup truck with canopy. All vehicles are maintained A-1 and cleaned frequently. As we grow, the co-op will buy other vehicles. We are also currently studying the possibility to invest in alternative fuel vehicles.

Who makes the decisions?

Day-to-day decisions will be made by the Board of Directors who are elected by the members. Feedbacks from members are taken in considerations. Some important decisions (price change, etc.) need the approval of the membership.

Who looks after gas fill-up?

Members are asked to simply gas up when the tank's approaching the middle. Simply write the amount and staple a receipt on the triplog.

What if I can't return the car on time?

There is a 30 minutes grace period between bookings. Still, if you are delayed, you just call the 24h reservation line and/or the member who booked next, so that everyone's informed
You could also pay a premium for extra time (see Price List) if you keep another member waiting.

What do I do to join?

Just contact us and we'll be in touch.

Can anyone join the co-op?

Drivers are carefully selected by the Membership Approval Committee, based on their driver's 5 years abstract. Some criterias:

Minimum 21 years old
Need to have a clean abstract of a 5 years period, - i.e. no drinking and driving or being responsible for serious accidents,
When applying, the Commitee will carefully review your application. This screening process insure all the members are protected from bad (or unlucky) drivers - thus keeping our insurances premiums low. So far (::touching wood::) no serious incident have occured.

How long does it take for my application to be processed?

We try to process application in one week.

Does the co-op need any help?

You bet! This is a member-owned co-op so the more involvement by members, the better! The Board of Directors and other volunteers are spending hours volunteering for you, and always need a hand! Just contact our volunteer coordinator!

Does the Co-op have financial backing?

Pacific Coast Savings Credit Union is providing practical support and commercial loans.
Toyota Canada (Metro Toyota locally) are also providing commercial loans.
We finance our vehicles from the member share.

How big will the Co-op be?

Well we hope to serve all of the CRD! There is a huge potential for carsharing, but obviously it will take time for it to develop! If you want to start a car sharing pod in your community, you can help!

Please contact us for more details!
Prepare your questions, and a friendly volunteer will help you

Updated 02 / 04 / 2000