WATERLOO – Grand River CarShare is expanding its presence in Waterloo’s university district and now has three CarShare locations in the area.

The non-profit co-operative has located a Mini Cooper at Wilfrid Laurier University for the past year, and has recently placed a Toyota Echo at Waterloo Co-operative Residence, Inc. on Phillip Street, and a Suzuki Aerio at Conrad Grebel University College.

“Grebel College has had a long standing interest in environmental issues. We are very pleased to support this Grand River CarShare initiative because we believe it represents a more sustainable approach to transportation,” Paul Penner, Director of Operations, said. Penner noted the vehicle stationed at Grebel College will also serve the rest of the university campus and the Beechwood neighbourhood.

Grand River CarShare, founded in 1998, provides access to vehicles for its members across Waterloo Region and Hamilton. Drivers pay for their trips according to distance and hourly rates that include gas and maintenance. This allows many households to reduce the number of vehicles they own, and choose environmentally friendly transportation modes more often.

“Commuters know that taking transit, cycling, and carpooling all reduce expenses and pollution, but are often stuck driving to work to ensure they have a car during the day, just in case,” Jason Hammond, President of Grand River CarShare, said. “Now, employees in the university district can change their commuting habits, knowing that vehicles are available for them when necessary.”

Twelve other CarShare vehicles are stationed throughout Waterloo Region and Hamilton. The co-operative recently reached a membership of 300 and is growing quickly as drivers struggle to control their expenses and their impact on climate change.

Hammond and Penner will welcome potential members from the campus community at a ceremony on Tuesday, November 3 at 12:30pm in front of the Dana Porter Library, where the three cars will be on display from 11am to 2pm. There will also be CarShare workshops available on campus Wednesday and Thursday, with details available at www.grandrivercarshare.ca.