Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative (SCC)

http://www.saskatooncarshare.com/ The carsharing model is simple: individuals gain the benefits of a car without the costs and responsibilities of ownership. Instead of owning one or more vehicles, members of a carshare have access to a network of shared vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at unattended self-service locations. It can be thought of as an organized short-term car rental. It helps members save money over the cost of individual car ownership by dividing ownership and maintenance costs among members and encouraging members to drive less often, plan trips more, more frequently use other modes of transportation, and share fuel-efficient vehicles when a car is needed. The overall goal is to decrease personal vehicle use and dependence on fossil fuels, provide affordable access to vehicles, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage residents to make use of more sustainable transportation, and support community transit. A further goal is to support the development of co-operatives. Development of the Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative has been ongoing for a number of years, with official incorporation in July 2012. A Steering Committee consisting of members from the City of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan (Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, College of Education, Geography and Planning), the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, and We Are Many Inc has undertaken a feasibility study to help determine the best locations for initial cars and fee structures. The SCC is now preparing to launch this fall in the Nutana neighbourhood. Memberships are now available.