By Ian Holmes

Improved car-sharing program in Nanaimo expected under new organization

May 2, 2017 | 11:44 AM

NANAIMO — Much like upgrading on your first vehicle, Nanaimo CarShare is moving to a better model.

Nanaimo CarShare has merged with Modo, which has about 17,000 members and 500 vehicles in Vancouver and Victoria.

Modo CEO Patrick Nangle said their member-owned service has four vehicles stationed in Nanaimo which will be available at the same rate structure and privileges Nanaimo CarShare offered. He said expanding with additional cars could happen if demand is there.

“We’re ready to invest in Nanaimo if the people of Nanaimo are enthusiastic car sharers,” Nangle told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Nangle said Modo members are charged $5 an hour and 20 cents per km and pay a maximum of $64 a day. He said most people use their vehicles for a few hours.

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Nangle said improved technology, vehicles and operational support are key upgrades Nanaimo area car share members will notice under Modo.

Nangle said their Vancouver and Victoria markets have grown steadily over the last several years. He said increasing expenses, such as housing, is a big reason why more people are turning to car sharing to get around.

“When you only have so many dollars in the wallet something has to give and for most people after housing, transportation is the next largest cost.”

He said it costs a $500 deposit to be a member-owner with Modo, or non-members can opt for an $8 monthly fee and pay a higher rate structure.

Outgoing Nanaimo CarShare president John Peirce said he’s looking forward to better service for the Nanaimo region. He said taking care of six vehicles became too difficult for their volunteer-run organization.

“We couldn’t really support having a paid employee without a significant increase in rates with no particular increase in benefits to the members,” Peirce said.

Peirce believes the Modo membership base and number of vehicles will double in Nanaimo within two-to-three years.

Nanaimo CarShare started in 2010 with two vehicles, growing to six vehicles and about 60 members.

The BC Liberals have promised a car-sharing tax credit if elected on May 9.

ian.holmes@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @reporterholmes