Canadian Legislative Issues

Communauto, a company with a fleet of some 1,200 self-service cars available 24/7, in combination with public transit and active transportation, has launched the first 100 percent electric one-way carsharing service in Canada. Some twenty vehicles are now available for use by citizens for trips from a point A to a point B, by passing an OPUS card previously registered in the Auto-mobile system.

Inaugurated on Le Plateau-Mont-Royal borough in Montreal, the goal of the Auto-mobile pilot project is to evaluate the benefits and impacts of this type of service. Through public consultation on one-way carsharing, it was determined that there was a strong need to better document the effects this service would have on citizens’ mobility and on other transportation services.

In addition to traditional carsharing, Auto-mobile offers a variety of benefits with minimal disruptions for its users and the community. There are also environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants by replacing gas-powered vehicle trips.

Communauto subscribers are now permitted to use this new service simply by registering their OPUS card number in the Auto-mobile system. The service will also be opened up to those who are not Communauto subscribers in the short-term, who will also benefit from a free subscription.

Upon registration, individuals can search for the nearest vehicles with their smartphone or on the Internet and block it for a few minutes. Once they reach the vehicle, it can be used immediately for their trip from point A to point B. Rates are $0.38/minute, $12/hour, and $50/day. Until July 5, rates are $0.10/minute and $6/hour.