What is Car Sharing?

Car sharing is a major innovation in transportation. With car sharing you get all the benefits of using a car without the headaches of owning one. Once you are a member, reserve and use any of our diverse vehicles throughout Victoria - whether it's a car, truck, van or hybrid. Reserve online and use our vehicles 24/7, no notice is required. You pay only a few dollars per hour, with gas and insurance included. You'll never have to worry about breakdowns, insurance, maintenance, or cleaning again, and all of our cars are newer models with plenty of options.

If you don't need a car every day, you could save up to $7,000 per year over private ownership. If you don't own a car, car sharing can supplement your mobility options, whether you want a vehicle for leisure, shopping, sports, or business.

Private ownership is expensive, inconvenient, and environmentally unfriendly. We offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative. Our fleet is covered with a 24-hour member support line, pre-paid emergency taxis, and BCAA roadside assistance. Car share members get rental discounts and can use car share vehicles throughout BC.

Do you qualify for a free membership?

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Save the date: Thursday, June 13, 2013


 
The AGM is your opportunity to learn more about the VCSC
and take an active role in its governance!
 
Business includes adopting the financial statements, electing
the Board of Directors and appointing the auditor for the
2012/2013 fiscal year.
 
In addition to a new proposed rate plan, there are a series of
administrative policy amendments that will be brought forward
to membership. These include using cars in Vancouver through
MODO, enhancing our accounts receivable program, enabling
the VCSC to investigate a damage pool concept for members.
 
A package will be emailed to you on Thursday, May 30, 2013.
As always, there will be light refreshments, some socializing
and a chance to meet fellow car share members.
 
We hope to see you there!

Proposed Rate Changes: Learn More!

All members are encouraged to learn more about proposed rate changes being put forward at the June 13, 2013 Annual General Meeting.
 
The proposed rate structure is streamlined, easy to understand, and will help the co-op increase individual and business memberships.
 
We encourage you to learn more by downloading the INFORMATION PACKAGE and trip calculator or attending one of our upcoming conversation cafes with staff and Directors.
 

  • Wednesday, May 22, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at VCSC Office
  • Thursday, May 23, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at VCSC Office

James Bay Car #27 on the Move!

We have made a temporary move of Car #27 to the Robbins Lot #61 at the corner of Quebec and Montreal (yes, still in James Bay!). We have an undesignated spot there, so please park in, or close to, spot #60, near the Kingston Street Entrance.

Two, new Fiats added to the fleet!

We have just added two new cars to the fleet, on the west and east side of the 'Q'. Not the radio station - it's the new name for  the Queen Victoria Hotel, which will be renovated as rental suites by Concert Properties. They have purchased memberships for all the units, paid for the Fiats and will be helping us on some marketing work. Thank-you Concert!
 
Both Fiats are great little cars that seat four. The dark green one is a Pop. The light green version is a Sport. These are highly efficient car that still have room for bags and groceries in the hatchback.
Also new is that the parking is on the street, thanks to the City of Victoria. One spot is on Douglas, across from the Royal British Columbia Museum; the other is on Blanshard, across from St. Ann's Academy. That saves us a bunch of cash and the cars look great out in the open. Thank-you City of Victoria!
 
We have also added side-door decals to the whole fleet. Research amongst car sharing organizations across North America show that most people find out about car sharing by seeing a car in their neighbourhood, or on the road. Side decals are key to that. We will be adding new bumper stickers, too. Same, tasteful approach. Puts a little more pride in our ride. Greater visibility = more members = more cars = better network = more members! So, when you drive, you are growing the fleet. Thank-you Members!

 

 

Dude, where are the cars? What about that new one in Esquimalt?

Google Map of Victoria Carshare Fleet of 24 vehicles.
New Nissan Versa is in Esquimalt!
Two new Fiats Downtown!

CAR SHARE STOREFRONT OFFICE AT @ 1113 FORT @ COOK


We are loving our new location  near the corner of Fort and Cook. If you are coming to visit the office by car, there's free, hourly parking on Meares, one block south. Lots of buses go right by the front door and the Fort Street bike lane is right out front. Stop by Monday to Friday, 10 to 4:30!
 

North America’s First Car Share Co-op Celebrates 15 Years!

The Victoria Car Share Co-operative is celebrating fifteen years of service. Established in 1996 with one vehicle and a few friends, the Victoria Car Share Co-op (VCSC) has grown to more than 500 members sharing a fleet of 22 different vehicles around Greater Victoria.

“Originally started in Europe, car sharing has steadily gained momentum in cities across North America,” says Andrew MacDonald, Executive Director for the VCSC. “Victorians have embraced car sharing as a practical and convenient transportation solution.”

According to BCAA, the annual cost of car ownership is $8,000 to $12,000 per year. Car sharing spreads those costs among several people instead of having one person shoulder the burden. The result is a community of people who have access to the latest vehicles without the headaches of gas, maintenance, or insurance of ownership.

“Our membership is growing with young professionals, families, and seniors,” he adds. “People are quickly recognizing the financial and environmental benefits of car sharing.”

Research has shown that car sharing can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Often, households who share vehicles tend to cycle walk and take transit more often. This results in less congestion and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

VCSC members also have access to other car share networks in Canada including Modo in Vancouver, CarShareHFX in Halifax, the Kootenay Car Share, and Go2 in Smithers.
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