Nanaimo CarShare Co-operative is a step closer to acquiring its first vehicle and launching its services thanks to Mid Island Co-op.
CarShare, a nonprofit organization that will own a fleet of cars and provide members with affordable and convenient access to shared vehicles, received a $500 boost from Mid Island Co-op.
CarShare vehicles will be parked in neighborhoods with a concentration of members who will pay by the hour and kilometre for driving the member-shared cars.
Besides maintaining a car reservation system, the CarShare Co-op will take care of everything related to the vehicle including fuel, insurance, maintenance and cleaning.
This service is ideal for those who cannot afford the fixed costs of owning a car and will offer the flexible mobility that complements transit, taxis, cycling and walking.
Carsharing also offers additional environmental benefits by reducing road congestion and reducing vehicle miles traveled as it makes apparent to the driver the full cost of vehicle mobility each time the vehicle is used. This encourages less frequent vehicle use and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
“Mid Island Co-op is thrilled to help bring carsharing to Nanaimo and to encourage greener forms of transportation,” said Karelyn Goodall, Co-op community relations director. “We feel that this is only the beginning for Nanaimo CarShare and we look forward to watching their organization grow.”
For more information about the Nanaimo CarShare Co-op, or to learn how you can become a member, please visit www.nanaimocarshare.ca, e-mail nanaimocarshareinfo@gmail.com or call 250-667-6210.