Community Carsharing Project Wraps Up

Greater Forest Lawn Community Carsharing closed operations February 28th, 2010. This innovative pilot project provided independent access to reliable vehicles at very low rates to families and agencies in the communities of Greater Forest Lawn. The project was successful in terms of sustainable transportation, community engagement and individual empowerment. Through it we gathered information and learned lessons that we hope will someday lead to an economically sustainable model of carsharing for the communities of Greater Forest Lawn.

Arusha remains committed to carsharing as a means of reducing Calgary’s carbon footprint and addressing poverty and social isolation. We will continue to explore and support initiatives that further these goals. In the meantime we’d like to thank everyone who supported GFL Community Carsharing. Your vision and encouragement was invaluable.

If you have comments or questions about Greater Forest Lawn Community Carsharing please call 403-270-3200.

If you would like information about Arusha’s other initiatives you can view our website at www.arusha.org.

Carsharing is also available through Calgary Carshare. For information or to inquire about membership go to www.calgarycarshare.ca or leave a message at 403-264-2422.

For information about other transportation resources (e.g. low income bus passes) available to residents of Greater Forest Lawn you can call Sunrise Community Link at 403-204-8280.

 

 

What is Carsharing?

Carsharing gives members access to a vehicle when they need one without the hassle and expense of owning a vehicle. It works just the way it sounds – a group of people sharing a car! You pay a deposit to join (which can be paid in instalments) and then you only pay for using the vehicle when you need it.

For example, you might use a carsharing vehicle to:

• Run a bunch of errands
• Go grocery shopping
• Take the kids to hockey practice
• Get to a doctor’s appointment downtown
• Go to a movie with friends

You just make a reservation by computer or by phone, then walk, take a bus or ride your bike to the carsharing vehicle nearest to you. You have your own key card and a user-friendly in-car computer records all the trip information while you drive. At the end of the month, you are billed just for the hours you used the vehicle and the kilometres you drove.

It’s that easy! No big car payment
You don’t pay for insurance, registration, gas or maintenance
Just an hourly and per kilometre rate

Is Carsharing for you?

People all over North America and Europe like carsharing for lots of different reasons. Some like helping the environment; carsharing means fewer cars on the road so less pollution, less demand for non-renewable resources like gas and oil. Others like a healthy lifestyle and enjoy walking and riding their bike, but sometimes need a car to get to an appointment or take their team to the game. Some can’t afford to own a car and like the way that carsharing fits their budget.

If you think carsharing is for you, click on the links above to find out more about carsharing (About Carsharing) and to see if you qualify to become a member (How to Join) or just give us a call at (403) 305-3950.