The operators of Modo would like to see more Squamish residents use the car-sharing service, but say they are pleased with the number of people who have joined so far.
Modo came to Squamish on Aug. 1 with two hybrid vehicles – a RAV4 and Prius V – located downtown at Chieftan Centre and on Second Avenue across from municipal hall. The cars are equipped with winter tires and ski racks, additions the company hopes will appeal to residents.
Currently, there are 50 members in Squamish.
[This number is] in line with what we’d expect to see in a brand new neighbourhood, that’s historically been very car ownership-centric, where things tend to start off slower and build over time,” said Selena McLachlan, a spokesperson for Modo. “At the moment, Squamish is growing proportionately faster than any other region.”
The District of Squamish teamed up with Modo to bring the car-sharing service to town, with the plan to add a more sustainable transportation option for residents, businesses and municipal staff in an area that many still rely on a car to get around.
After signing up, people can pick up their key from Squamish Savings.
Modo car drivers can use rideshare services to offset the cost of longer trips. The Vancouver-Squamish-Whistler route is the most popular for users of the car-pooling service Poparide, according to a news release.
The North Shore has 16 Modo vehicles, including two at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, as well as 600 in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan.
