CarShareHFX announces expansion for 2012 during its third anniversary celebration

HALIFAX, Jan. 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The third anniversary party of CarShareHFX, the company providing a "car ownership free" option, revealed to Haligonians its development plan for the upcoming year. "2012 promises to be an exciting year for CarShareHFX as we will expand our fleet by 50%, launch a new visibility campaign including a promotional video as well as a new and simpler website", announced today by owners Pam Cooley and Peter Zimmer. "In three years, we have reached a fleet of thirteen cars and over 650 members and growing - thanks to Haligonians for their commitment and for supporting an alternative source of transportation in our beautiful city", added Pam Cooley.

The successful partnership with Canadian Carsharing leader Communauto as well as with new parking spot sponsorship from BMO, Stuart McKelvey, Humanit-T Cafe and Metro Transit has led to an outstanding performance of the organization in 2011.

In the last 12 months CarShareHFX has increased the number of members by 60%.  This increase is a first result of the reduction in fees announced last summer, based upon the business model proposed by Communauto. This new lower fee schedule has resulted in greater number of members joining and making it more viable for more people to not own a car.

This success is also due to the support from other community supporters. The Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd and the Halifax Port Authority have offered free parking to CarShareHFX vehicles. Both Southwest and Killam Properties have negotiated a discounted offer for their residents- and have cars on site at their buildings!

Other perks are available for members through mobility partners concentrating on active transportation such as walking, biking and other healthy activities and include Aerobics First, Cyclesmith, and the Trail Shop.

Tonight, the social enterprise celebrates its three-year history in Halifax by hosting a gathering at the Hub for invited guests and media. CarShareHFX owners Pam Cooley and Peter Zimmer provide guests with a retrospective of the past three years highlighting the company's success, and shared plans for the upcoming year.

About CarShareHFX

Car sharing is a clever and practical alternative to owning a vehicle. Car sharing is a concept that was introduced to North Americans in the 1990's, and as fuel prices increase and concerns for the planet heighten, car sharing  has experienced dramatic growth. Over 40,000 Canadians car share, and like other urban centres, Haligonians through CarShareHFX have had this transportation option at their fingertips for the past three years.

CarShareHFX  provides eco-efficient vehicles to people and workplaces that want the convenience of having a vehicle, but don't want the hassles of parking, insurance, and maintenance. CarShareHFX members are e able to reserve a car on-line or by phone; then walk or transit to the closest vehicle; open the door with a personal electronic key card (fob), and  drive away. It is that simple.

Margo Grant, a long-standing client shared her family's experience with CarShareHFX, "CarShareHFX is perfect for us. Six months ago our car died in the driveway through lack of use, so instead of buying a new one, we committed to using our membership to the max. We use CarShareHFX most often on weekends to get groceries and run errands, or to visit off-Peninsula friends. CarShareHFX is an excellent service — convenient and customer-oriented. And not having to keep the driveway cleared of snow is a treat. We fully expect to find that our yearly auto costs will be significantly less through CarShareHFX use."

visit www.carsharehfx.ca or contact:

Pam Cooley
CarShareHFX
902-403-8407