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Modo says it will stay in Squamish

Car-share company commits to remaining in town as Dec. 20 deadline draws near
modo
Modo member Elinor Warkentin shows Squmaish seniors how to use Modo's carsharing service.

Modo car-share is committed to staying in Squamish, according to a municipal news release.

The car-sharing company operates two vehicles in town, and is the sole enterprise of its kind in Squamish.

“We have no intentions of pulling out of Squamish and are working closely with the municipality to ensure a resilient car-sharing network is established,” said Sylvain Celaire, Modo’s director of business development in the release.

“As with most new car-share communities, developing a culture of car-sharing can take a bit of time.”

The announcement arrives as the deadline for Modo to possibly leave draws near.

Under the agreement the company has with the District of Squamish, Modo may leave if it can’t hit its revenue targets by Dec. 20.

In a meeting with municipal council on Nov. 12, Modo said it wasn’t making enough money to sustain both of its cars in Squamish.

During that meeting, Celaire said around 70 people signed up for the service in Squamish. This includes both the general public and District employees.

The District is hoping more of its employees will make use of the service, as staff previously said 38 municipal employees have registered, but only 14 have booked a car-share.

“From the District’s perspective, having access to car-share vehicles in addition to fleet vehicles improves options for District staff, and makes it an easier decision to walk, bike or take transit to work,” said Dora Gunn, a sustainability co-ordinator with the District, in the December news release. “In addition, these vehicles are for community use, and provide an affordable alternative to personal car ownership.”

The District said Modo’s two vehicles in town have winter tires and ski racks, which will hopefully prompt more use over the winter.

Modo will closely monitor demand to determine the best time to add a third vehicle in order to expand coverage, the District said.

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