LiveSmart BC Community Feature
Scrap-It Encourages Car Sharing
Maybe you’re ready to get rid of your car, but you aren’t ready to rely on your bicycle or public transit for all of your transportation needs. Nicole Huk, co-manager of the Victoria Car Share Co-operative, tells LiveSmart BC about the benefits of sharing cars and the incentive that encourages people to scrap their cars for a car co-op membership and account credit.
LiveSmart BC: How did a car share co-op come to be established in Victoria?
Nicole Huk: In 1997, a few friends in James Bay decided to share a vehicle so they could enjoy the advantages of a personal automobile without the financial burden. Since vehicle expenses mainly come from fixed costs like depreciation, insurance and financing, it makes sense to share these expenses.
As the idea spread, new members joined, and demand for more vehicles grew. Now our fleet, which is owned by the members, is professionally managed. That means members can hop into a vehicle of their choice knowing they will always be clean and well-maintained.
Over the years, the co-op has become an integral part of the sustainable transportation options here in Victoria. We’ve partnered with business, environmental groups, UVic and municipalities to make car sharing affordable, convenient and accessible for residents of Greater Victoria.
LSBC: How many members are part of the co-op? How many vehicles can they access?
NH: We have 400 members composed of individuals, families, non-profits and businesses. Our membership base has doubled in less than two years, and we are continuing to grow. As of today, we have 18 vehicles conveniently located throughout the Greater Victoria region. Our fleet is composed of 4-door sedans, pick-up trucks, minivans, a hybrid and even a Smart Car convertible! Our members are welcome to use any of the vehicles, and we are continually adapting our fleet to meet growing demand.
LSBC: People who take part in the BC Scrap-It Program can choose a car co-op incentive in Victoria and the Lower Mainland. Why do you think this an important option?
NH: People who choose to scrap their vehicles are likely accustomed to the convenience of having access to a car, so the co-op incentive is a practical option.
LSBC: Have the members who have joined the co-op due to the BC Scrap-It Program incentive shared their reasons for choosing the car co-op incentive?
NH: The majority of these new members have joined because they still want access to a vehicle. Our members also appreciate having access to a variety of reliable, lower emission and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Victoria Car Share Co-op is a convenient way for people to do something positive about our environment by driving less and reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
For more information, visit the Victoria Car Share Co-operative and the BC Scrap-It Program.
