Zipcar, a car sharing company popular among students in Victoria, has decided to cease operations in B.C. as of May 1st, 2020.
An email sent to members on Tuesday confirmed this fact, adding that the company will continue to operate in other cities across North America.
Zipcar, a company based in Boston, has been providing car share services in B.C. since 2007 and says memberships for B.C. residents remain open if they choose to use Zipcar in another location.
“Unfortunately, due to the complexities of operating in British Columbia, including local insurance regulations, we’ve had to make the tough choice to close Zipcar locations in your province,” reads a statement from the company.
While Zipcars were available to anyone in Victoria who required a vehicle for intermittent use, the vehicles were largely popular among post-secondary students in the city who could access them at the University of Victoria pickup point.
“Zipcar provided a car-share service that benefited students as a transportation alternative and it’s unfortunate the company was unable to continue operations at UVic, due to the current economic uncertainties,” said UVic spokesperson Paul Marck in an email to Victoria Buzz.
An alternative car share company, Modo, still operates in B.C. and on campus at UVic, thereby providing a suitable replacement for Zipcar.
