What are the environmental benefits?

Travel survey research indicates that increased automobile ownership increases overall household automobile use. For example, in the U.S.A. data shows that a three adult household with only one automobile drives an average of 12,500 miles a year, but with three automobiles in the household, the total annual mileage increases to approximately 37,000 miles per year. Presently, when a person purchases a vehicle it is financially beneficial for them to use it as much as possible because the fixed costs are quite high (initial purchase price and insurance) while the operating costs are quite low (fuel, oil, and maintenance). This system encourages car owners to drive more because it reduces their cost per kilometre travelled but creates more greenhouse gasses.

Car use leads to congestion of our roadways, which leads to more construction of roadways to lessen congestion, which is an invitation to drive more and live further away from the congestion, which means more roadways being built for more cars...

CSOs are working in most major Canadian cities (Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City) and many cities in Europe. Edmontonians are not that much different than the people that inhabit those cities. Citizens are looking for alternatives to owning a private automobile, whether this is due to a desire to simplifying their lives, reducing the financial burden that owning a vehicle entails or for environmental or ideological reasons. CSO membership appeals to all these reasons.

We depend on vehicles in our daily lives and it seems unrealistic to suggest that people stop using them altogether. Carsharing is an alternative, a bridge, which will help people that are willing to make a positive difference in the world and dramatically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The carsharing initiative will offer an alternative form of transportation to the public. It will allow people to have the use (ownership) of a vehicle without the incumbent costs (environmental, financial, and societal) of owning one.

How does it work?

Once you have been accepted as a member and you have signed a contract you will be given a key, used to access the security lock up where the vehicle’s ignition key is stored, and a password for CCE’s Online Booking. . When you want to use the vehicle, go to http://www.web.net/~cce/members.html and book the vehicle for the time period you want to use it for.

When you use the car, you will need to fill in a Trip Log. Record the odometer reading at departure and return, keep track of any expenses (such as a gas purchases), and do a quick, but thorough, inspection of the vehicle both before you leave and when you return. This is to ensure that you and the Co-op know what kind of condition the vehicle was in BEFORE it is used by you.

At the end of the month an invoice will be emailed to you for vehicle use.

What about availability of a car when you want one?

Ideally a car should be available to you 100% of the time. The reality is that this may not be the case. Even with private ownership someone else in the household may use the vehicle or that it is broken-down and needs repairs therefore making the private vehicle unavailable. The standard availability in other carsharing groups is that vehicles are available for over 90% of the time. CCE is expecting to meet or better this level of service.

Think you need a second car?

Join our carsharing group and avoid this huge financial burden. You may already own a car in your household, but there may be times that one vehicle doesn't cover all the needs of everyone in the household. Instead of purchasing another vehicle for those few times that another car is required, a membership in the co-operative may save you a bundle of money.

How long can you use the car?

You can book a car for as long as you want. The shortest time period you can book and use it for is 30 minutes. Remember that you pay a per hour charge to encourage you to use it efficiently. It is suggested that you cost compare the co-operative vehicle with a rental for long trips.

Can others in your household use it?

Yes. A member may sponsor a person that shares their household and has a relationship with the member. The sponsored person needs to be eligible for membership as outlined in the Supplemental By-Laws. This is explained in more depth in the member's manual.

Who fills up the fuel tank?

Each member is responsible for ensuring that the tank is at least half full for the next user. When a member notices that the tank needs to be filled they will fill it and submit the receipt for reimbursement on their monthly bill.

Where can you pick up a car?

The car is located in the Garneau region of Edmonton. As the co-operative grows we hope to purchase additional vehicles to be made available at different locations around the city.

How is damage to the vehicles recorded?

Members crosscheck each other by doing a visual inspection of the vehicle before and after each use.

What happens in case of an accident?

Ensure that everyone is safe and if need be, first aid is being provided and the proper authorities are notified. There is a form and guide in the glove compartment as well as a first aid kit under the drivers set. Follow the guide's instructions. Contact a CCE board member immediately.

Who will clean and maintain the cars?

If you make a mess of the car you will be expected to clean it and pay for it. CCE volunteers clean the vehicle on a regular basis and take care of all vehicle maintenance. The CCE vehicle is on a preventative maintenance schedule to ensure that it is in good and safe working order.

What happens if you get a parking ticket or the vehicle is towed?

Each member is responsible for their own actions. If you fail to put money in the meter or park in a tow away zone you will be responsible for paying these charges. You may also be responsible for charges incurred by other members if the car is not available for them to use when they had reserved it.

If you decide that you don't want to belong to the co-operative, how would you get your membership deposit back?

Carsharing is about co-operative ownership and that takes flexibility and willingness to working with others. This system isn't for everyone. If you decide to leave the co-operative you need to notify the CCE board in writing and your membership deposit ($400) will be returned less any monies owing to the Co- operative. A check will been done to ensure there are not any outstanding parking tickets or other charges caused by your use of the vehicle(s). The deposit will be returned 90 days after you have returned the key and the Co- operative has received your letter of intent.

How will insurance work?

Insurance is provided by Co-operator's Insurance. Carsharing Co-operative of Edmonton will be the holder of the insurance. A nice aspect of the way the insurance will work is that you as a driver will be an insured driver. The insurance industry punishes you when you have gaps in your insurance history. As an insured driver with the Co-operative you will be creating an insurance history so that when, or if, you decide to purchase your own vehicle you have a proven insurance history to be assessed by. This will insure that your insurance rate is low.

Who makes the decisions?

The day-to-day decisions are made by the Board of Directors. Ultimately the members decide the direction of the Co-operative-- that's you!

Who is behind this co-operative?

The idea of starting a carsharing organisation in Edmonton has been around for a few years. Different groups and people have moved it towards where it is today. Toxics Watch, Sam Gunsch, Myles Kitagawa, Russ Miyagawa, Michael Kalmanovitch and the Alberta Environmental Network have been instrumental in getting it going. Funding for the development of the co-operative was made possible through a grant provided by Friends of the Environment (Canada Trust). Environment Canada, through its EcoAction 2000 programme has provided us with the bulk of the capital needed to purchase our first three vehicles and develop the co-op. We have also received grant support from the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation and support of all kinds from the Environmental Resource Centre and the Alberta Environmental Network. The co-operative is still seeking additional funds and services from a variety of sources.

What does it cost?

Membership Fees

$80 Start-Up Administration Fee (plus the cost of obtaining a driver’s abstract ~$20)
$400 Refundable Share Purchase (for 4 Shares)

Monthly Administration Fee

Flat rate of $2.50/Share/month ($10.00 for full members)

Usage Fees:

Per km	$0.40
Hourly Charge	$2.50

These prices include all the costs of the vehicle: purchase price, gas, maintenance, repairs, insurance, cleaning, and administration.

A detailed pricelist is available in Adobe Acrobat or MS-Word format as well.

How can you join?

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