Vehicle available for use by co-op members

The University of Calgary now has a “car share” vehicle on campus, located just south of the Biological Sciences building, thanks to a local car share service and support from the university.

“We encourage people to use transit, cycling and carpooling to get to campus,” says Peter Fraser, associate VP of Ancillaries and Infrastructure, who initiated the project. “Car sharing can help us overcome the last remaining obstacle of someone possibly needing a vehicle when on campus.”
With this shared car now on campus, people can access a vehicle when needed once they become a member of the co-op service. They are billed for their use based on all-inclusive rates that include insurance and fuel costs.

“With car sharing, people will be more inclined to use transportation alternatives to get to and from campus,” says Susan Austen, manager of U of C Parking Services, who provided the parking space. “This will let us make better use of the parking lots that we have now.”

Members not only benefit from low rates but can also take advantage of overnight or all-day discounts and can earn credit for helping with light maintenance tasks. They can pay with Canadian Tire money and Calgary Dollars, as well as currency.

“Car sharing is more than just a vehicle on campus,” says Cody Torgerson, co-founder and coordinator for the Calgary Alternative Transportation Co-op, which provides the service. “Our members save thousands of dollars a year compared to owning their own vehicle.”

Co-op members can access any vehicle in the fleet, including a gas-electric hybrid Toyota Prius, a Smart fortwo and a mini-van. Most are located within walking distance of LRT stations.

For now, there is just the one vehicle on campus, but there are plans to add more vehicles in the near future. Already this month the vehicle has seen more than 200 hours of use.

“With car sharing, I get all the convenience of owning a car but without owning a car,” says Rev. Tim Nethercott, from the U of C’s Multi-Faith Chaplains’ Centre. “In fact, instead of losing money with an owned vehicle, I am now saving money and getting more exercise and reducing my CO2 emissions. It’s great.”

For more information, call Torgerson at 264-2422 or go to www.catco-op.org.