Undercurrent Letter to the Editor: 75 Cars for the cost of less than 1

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We are trying to raise the awareness of the Cooperative Auto Network here on Bowen Island. I wrote the following and submitted it to The Undercurrent

A few years ago, our vehicle “died” and we were faced with getting another vehicle. A new vehicle would be costly, but probably reliable; a used one would be cheaper, but reliability would be compromised and future repairs an unknown. In the end, we decided to live “car-less”.

The decision was made easier because we did not need a car to get to work. We walked and took the bus or taxi to get to places. This was all fine and even enjoyable when we did not have much to carry. By walking we had exercise, saw more details around us and met people along the way. Not having to deal with car insurance, maintenance and repair bills, dead batteries and other joys of car ownership was bliss.

However, longer trips (especially trips to our cabin in the Cariboo) were not possible without a car. Transportation became more problematic when we wanted to go for our monthly shopping trips to town. Sharing rides and friends offering the use of their cars made those trips easier and was much appreciated. We also took advantage of special bus trips organized by Family Place to Ikea, Commercial Drive and Famous Foods, and had a lot of fun on the journey with fellow Bowen Islanders. Sadly, those trips are no longer offered.

We did not want to continue to lean on others for help and explored other options that would give us independence. Last year, we discovered CAN (Co-operative Auto Network), a car-sharing co-op based in Vancouver. We became members last April and have used a variety of cars for different occasions: a mini-van for picking up visitors from the airport, trucks for trips to the cabin, and a station wagon for the inevitable “big” shopping trips. There are of course regular cars as well, and even a Honda Prius. We still walk, take the bus and use the taxi, but membership in CAN gives us the option of using a car when we need one, without the burden and cost of full ownership.

Cars of different makes and sizes (the ratio is approximately 16 members per car) are located throughout the core of Vancouver, parked on streets, parkades or parking. All cars also have city parking permits, for easy parking in all “permit only” zones throughout Vancouver. Members can use cars by the hour, and charges are calculated on a scale, using a formula of time and distance. Most cars are located in Vancouver, but a few are scattered all over. There is a car on Cortes Island, one in Tofino and one in Nanaimo. For a trip to Vancouver Island last summer we used the car in Nanaimo, going across on the ferry on foot. Cheaper fares, and we did not have the usual wait in a vehicle when waiting for the Nanaimo ferry on a summer weekend. CAN also has a “cross-use” agreement with the Victoria Car Share Co-operative, which allows CAN members to use cars in Victoria.

Using cars in Vancouver when living on Bowen Island is still a bit time consuming, because we first have to get to the car in the city (there are no CAN cars in West Vancouver). This is why we are looking for other people on Bowen to become members. Staff at the CAN office told us that a car could be placed on Bowen Island provided there are 16 members signed up.

Membership in CAN could be of interest to you if you don’t have a car, but would like the use of a car occasionally; or if you have been thinking about giving up a car which is not used regularly, but still want the option of driving sometimes (CAN suggests that if you use a car for 4 days or less per week, they are a more economical choice). We would really like to hear from you if you are interested in the concept of car sharing. A meeting with more information is planned in the coming while.

More information is available from CAN, on the web at www.cooperativeauto.net or call 604-685-1393. We would also be happy to answer questions you might have about our first-hand experience: contact us by email or by phone at 604-947-2171.