Transportation Hamilton CarShare Now Easier to Join By Michael Druker

Published April 05, 2012

It's been nearly three years since the launch of Hamilton CarShare, when a citizen-led effort brought an expansion of Waterloo Region's Grand River CarShare into the city. There are now three cars and a minivan in Hamilton available for members to reserve and use.

As a volunteer with this organization, I am pleased to say that starting this month, it's easier than ever to join CarShare.

Hamilton CarShare provides the mobility of a personal car without the hassle and cost. If you can make your frequent trips without a car, CarShare fills in the gaps when a car could come in handy. CarShare also cuts down on the "driveway incentive" - that urge to just drive everywhere instead of making a more healthy, cost-effective, or more pleasant choice.

In practical terms, members reserve a car, use it, return it to its spot, and get billed based on time and distance driven.

As of April 1, we've adopted a new membership plan and adjusted an existing one in order to make it easier to sign up. The previous cost of joining had been a barrier to many, and I hope that the change makes CarShare more accessible.

Our improved Simple Plan is perfect for occasional use and as a "back-up car". You join for $50 and pay $40 a year. This gives you access to cars at $10 / hour or $70 / day, which includes 100 km free.

The new Regular Plan is for more frequent use. Joining costs $50, and membership is $40 a month. The rates are $4/hour ($5 weekend), $30/day ($40 weekend), and $0.30/km.

Let us know what you think! For more information or to sign up, check out our website or call the Hamilton office at 905-543-4411.

Hamilton CarShare and Grand River CarShare are part of Community CarShare, a non-profit carsharing co-operative headquartered in Kitchener.

Michael Druker is from the US, but now makes his home in Kitchener-Waterloo after completing two degrees at the University of Waterloo. He is active on urban issues in Waterloo Region, including as part of the Tri-Cities Transport Action Group (TriTAG) and as a co-founder of Open Data Waterloo Region. Michael has served on the board of Community CarShare since 2010, and currently is Treasurer as well as chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo Action Committee.

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