NANAIMO – Member-owned carsharing organization Modo has recently announced that the Nanaimo CarShare co-op has transitioned to Modo. The collaborative transition will provide continuity of carsharing and enhanced service to the people of Nanaimo.
Modo CEO Patrick Nangle says his co-op and incumbent Nanaimo CarShare Cooperative both see the advantages of this move. “Modo will deliver improved technology, upgraded vehicles and deeper operational support, building on the great foundational work Nanaimo CarShare has done to establish carsharing and build support for it across the region.”
The City of Nanaimo applauds the move to secure a future with carsharing. “As we’ve seen locally and abroad, carsharing can positively contribute to the transportation challenges that growing cities like ours face,” says David Stewart, the City’s Environmental Planner.
“Modo’s investment in Nanaimo will support and expand upon the work previously done by Nanaimo CarShare to promote carsharing as a viable and sustainable form of transportation in Nanaimo for many years to come.”
Members of Nanaimo CarShare (NCS), a volunteer-run co-op, determined they did not have the capacity to take things to the next level. “We’ve had deep ties to Modo since day one,” says NCS Board Chair John Peirce.
“NCS has grown to the point where it is no longer sustainable on an all-volunteer basis. Modo’s expertise will sustain and grow the business and make sure that the co-op model maintains a strong presence in Nanaimo.”
Effective May 1 members of Nanaimo CarShare become members of Modo with the same privileges and rates. Nearly half are already affiliated with Modo through the two co-ops’ reciprocal or “roaming” agreement.
With Modo locations conveniently located in Nanaimo and at either side of the ferries, carsharing is an affordable and convenient way to get around, or out of town, without the cost and hassle of car ownership. Being able to continue to enjoy the economic, social and environmental benefits of carsharing, has members on both sides of the Straight feeling positive about NCS’s transition to Modo.
