Grand River CarShare

What is Grand River CarShare?

Grand River CarShare and Hamilton CarShare is a single non-profit co-operative which provides its members access to vehicles on a self-serve, pay-per-use basis. The co-operative was founded in 1998 and operated first in Kitchener-Waterloo, adding service to Cambridge in 2007, and Hamilton in 2009.

Grand River CarShare’s mission is to deliver a carsharing service and to promote carsharing as an important component of a sustainable transportation system within the Region of Waterloo and the City of Hamilton. Through this the co-op seeks to reduce overall transportation costs, traffic congestion and air pollution, thus improving our communities.

Reservations for CarShare vehicles can be made for as little as 30 minutes, or as long as needed, and gas and maintenance costs are included in driving rates. Driving rates range between $5 and $9 per hour, depending on the rate plan the member chooses. By filling in transportation gaps with occasional car use, Grand River CarShare also helps support the use of greener transportation modes such as transit and cycling. Many CarShare members also already own a car, but supplement their driving needs with CarShare reservations a few times a week.

Grand River CarShare currently has more than 500 members who have access to a fleet of 18 vehicles, stationed along main transit corridors. Of the 18 vehicles, five are located in Waterloo, nine are located in Kitchener, four are located in Hamilton, and the co-op is currently re-organizing in Cambridge. As membership grows and vehicle usage increases, additional vehicles are added to the fleet to meet membership and usage demands.

Grand River CarShare is governed by a volunteer board of directors, elected from the membership, and supported day-to-day by four full-time staff members.