Edmonton, as one of Canada's major cities, has been actively developing alternative modes of transportation in recent years, with car sharing occupying a special place. For those who have just moved to the city or are considering traveling without their own car, car sharing can be a convenient and cost-effective solution. Unlike traditional car rentals or taxis, car sharing allows you to access transportation for a short period of time — from a few minutes to several days — paying only for the actual time used.
Communauto: the main player in the car sharing market in Edmonton
Today, Edmonton is dominated by one large car sharing service — Communauto Alberta, which entered the city's market in 2014 under the name Pogo CarShare. Local entrepreneurs and graduates of the University of Alberta launched this project, seeing the need for affordable transportation among city residents. Starting with just ten cars, the company grew rapidly and within its first five years of operation expanded its fleet to over a hundred vehicles, serving thousands of members across Western Canada.
In 2018, Pogo CarShare was acquired by Communauto, a large Canadian car-sharing organization, becoming its first branch in Western Canada. In 2020, a complete rebranding transformation took place — Pogo officially changed its name to Communauto, and 50 new cars were added to the fleet. Communauto is the oldest and largest car-sharing organization in Canada, operating in Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, and even Paris, France.
How Communauto works in Edmonton
Communauto offers two main service models to meet the different needs of users. The first model is the FLEX service, which allows you to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another within a defined service area. The second model is station-based vehicles, which must be returned to the same location where they were picked up, but can be reserved in advance.
The FLEX system is ideal for spontaneous trips or when you plan to return home by another mode of transportation. You find an available car through the Communauto mobile app, unlock it, drive where you need to go, and leave it at any authorized location within the FLEX zone. This gives you great freedom of movement, especially in central areas of the city.
FLEX coverage area in Edmonton
The FLEX zone in Edmonton covers the central areas of the city, including downtown and the area around the University of Alberta and Whyte Avenue. The company has recently expanded its service area, and now the boundary runs along 118th Street, including the Inglewood neighborhood, where there are a large number of Communauto cars. Many users point out that the FLEX zone remains quite limited — if you live or work in areas further from the center, such as near the West Edmonton Mall or in the southern or northern parts of the city, the service may be inconvenient, as cars must be returned to the central zone, which can be almost a hundred blocks away.
However, within the FLEX zone, users can park for free on most streets with paid parking, including areas with time restrictions and residential areas with resident permits. This is one of the biggest advantages of car sharing — you don't have to pay for parking or worry about getting a parking permit in residential areas.
Communauto rates and plans
Communauto offers several rate plans to meet the different needs of users. The basic rates for using FLEX cars are:
- 43 cents per minute
- Maximum $14 per hour
- Maximum $50 per day
- 75 kilometers are included in each trip, after which 26 cents are charged for each additional kilometer
For those who use car sharing frequently, there are various subscription plans available: Open, Open Plus, Value, Value Plus, and Value Extra. Each plan has its own benefits and monthly cost. For example, the Value Extra plan costs $30 per month and offers an hourly rate of $3.60 plus 30 cents per kilometer for cars at stations. If you use a FLEX car on the Value Extra plan, the system will automatically select the cheapest option between the regular FLEX rate ($14 per hour) and the station car rate.
One of the most interesting options is the FLEX Pass, which acts as a monthly public transportation pass. The FLEX Unlimited Pass allows for an unlimited number of free trips of up to 30 minutes throughout the month. The cost of the FLEX Unlimited Pass ranges from $65 to $95 per month depending on your rate plan. If you don't need unlimited trips, there is also a 15-trip FLEX Pass or 20-trip FLEX Pass option at a lower price.
For new members, Communauto often offers a welcome promotion — unlimited free FLEX trips of up to 30 minutes for a whole month after registration. This is a great opportunity to try the service without a significant cost.
Membership requirements and registration
To join Communauto in Edmonton, you must meet certain criteria:
- You must be at least 19 years old
- You must have a full Class 5 or 5-GDL driver's license from the province of Alberta
- If you have a license from another Canadian province where Communauto operates, it is better to register through that province's branch, unless you plan to use the service only occasionally in Alberta
During the registration process, Canadians must provide a copy of their driver abstract for the last three years. In Alberta, you can order this document in person at a registry agent, and it must not be more than three months old. Alternatively, you can allow Communauto to check your driver's record yourself through their third-party broker.
If you have an international license or are a foreigner, you will need to provide:
- A copy of your driver's license (or an official translation if it is not in English or French)
- A copy of your passport with a visitor visa (if applicable)
- Your Canadian residential address
Important to remember: Applicants must not have any convictions for serious or criminal offenses in the last three years, nor any offenses related to drunk driving.
Vehicle fleet and insurance
Communauto offers a variety of vehicle categories to meet the needs of different users:
- Compact — the majority of the fleet
- Intermediate
- Family
- Minivan
- Utility (utility vehicles)
Most of the vehicles are Toyota Prius hybrids, which are economical and environmentally friendly. In 2022, the company added 100 new Kia Niro electric vehicles to its Canadian network, demonstrating its commitment to the transition to electric vehicles.
Insurance
Insurance is included in the cost of membership and vehicle use. Communauto users can choose a damage protection plan when selecting a rate plan. In Canada, the cost is:
- $8.50 per month for zero deductible
- $6.50 per month for a $300 deductible
- $1.10 per trip for a $600 deductible
It is worth noting that car-sharing companies' insurance covers third-party liability, but you are required to comply with the terms of service, have a valid driver's license, and immediately notify the company of any incident.
Turo: an alternative to peer-to-peer car sharing
In addition to Communauto, there is another car sharing option available in Edmonton — Turo, which operates on a peer-to-peer (user-to-user) model. Unlike traditional car sharing companies, Turo does not own its own cars. Instead, it is a platform that connects private car owners with people looking to rent.
Turo works similarly to Airbnb, but for cars. Car owners list their vehicles on the Turo app, set their own prices and availability conditions, and renters can browse these listings, find a suitable car, and book it through the app. This creates a direct interaction between the owner and the renter, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
Advantages and features of Turo
One of the main advantages of Turo is the variety of cars available. Since it is a peer-to-peer platform, you can find a wide range of vehicles, from economical options for $49 per day to premium BMW X4s and even classic cars. This gives you more options compared to traditional car-sharing services, which usually have a standardized fleet.
To book a car on Turo in Canada:
- You must be at least 23 years old
- You must have a valid driver's license
- You must complete a quick approval process, during which you will be asked to enter your driver's license information
In most cases, approval is instant, and you're ready to go. Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover, as well as Visa or Mastercard debit cards linked to a bank account. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also supported on mobile devices, but cash or checks are not accepted.
An important feature of Turo is its flexibility regarding where you pick up and return the car. Many owners offer delivery of the car directly to your address, which is especially convenient for those arriving at Edmonton International Airport. You can rent a car for a day, a week, a month, or longer, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your trip.
Differences between Turo and Communauto
| Criterion | Communauto | Turo |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Corporate car sharing with its own fleet | Peer-to-peer platform |
| Optimal use | Hourly rentals and short trips | Daily or multi-day rentals |
| Pricing | Fixed rates | Varies depending on owner and car type |
| Gasoline | Included in price | Paid separately |
| Insurance | Included in the price | May be an additional option |
| Parking | Included in the price | Paid separately |
| Availability | Fixed locations in the FLEX zone | Depends on private owners |
| Car selection | Standardized fleet | Wide selection, including luxury models |
| Predictability | High — guaranteed availability in the FLEX zone | Lower — requires advance planning |
The main difference between Turo and Communauto is in their business models and pricing structures. Communauto offers hourly rentals and short-term trips at fixed rates, making it ideal for quick trips around town or trips lasting a few hours. Turo, on the other hand, is generally more cost-effective for daily or multi-day rentals, although prices can vary significantly depending on the car owner and vehicle type.
Traditional car rentals as an alternative
While car sharing is convenient for short trips, traditional car rentals may be a better option for some situations. Edmonton is home to several large rental companies, such as:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Budget Car Rental
- Avis
These companies offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to large SUVs, with daily rates starting at around $30 and special weekend offers providing discounts of up to 15%.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, for example, offers flexible rental terms with no cancellation fees if you don't pay in advance. This makes traditional rentals a good choice for longer trips, such as weekend or week-long trips, when hourly carsharing rates can become too expensive. However, it is important to consider additional costs such as insurance, mileage restrictions, and the need to return the car with a full tank of gas.
Other mobility options in Edmonton
It is worth mentioning that car sharing is only one element of Edmonton's transportation ecosystem. For short trips around the city, the following are also available:
- Taxi and ride-sharing services (Uber) — can be competitively priced in certain situations
- Poparide carpooling platform — connects drivers and passengers for shared trips (e.g., from Edmonton to Calgary for about $40 per seat)
- Shared micromobility programs — include electric bikes and electric scooters
- Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) — for Edmonton university students, provides unlimited access to Edmonton Transit Service (ETS)
Edmonton is also actively developing shared micromobility programs, including electric bikes and electric scooters, which encourage people to walk, cycle, and use public transportation more.
Advantages and disadvantages of car sharing
Advantages
Economic benefits — you don't have to pay for car maintenance, insurance, vehicle registration, taxes, and monthly parking. All these costs are included in the price of car sharing, and you only pay for the time you actually use the car. For those who don't use a car every day, this can lead to significant savings compared to owning your own vehicle.
Flexibility — you can access a car at any time without having to own it, making it a practical solution for occasional trips. The entire process is managed through a mobile app, which greatly simplifies the user experience. For many people living in large cities, car sharing is a modern and efficient alternative to owning a private vehicle, especially for specific needs such as moving, large grocery shopping trips, or short weekend trips.
Environmental benefits — Studies show that one car-sharing vehicle can replace 9 to 13 private cars, reducing the total number of vehicles on the road and the need for parking spaces. This leads to less congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and a more pleasant urban environment.
Disadvantages
High cost for frequent use — Since it is a time-based rental model, long periods of use can make it more expensive than other options such as public transportation or even carpooling. In addition, car-sharing services are mainly limited to densely populated urban areas, so it may be more difficult to find an available car in suburban or rural areas.
Loss of convenience of ownership — when you have your own car, you can store your belongings in it, decorate it to your liking, and quickly jump in to run an errand or drive to work. When using car sharing, you have to be more careful about leaving the car clean for the next driver and cannot use it as your personal storage space.
Penalty fees — these can add up quickly. For example, late return fees can be quite high, causing users to rush to return the car on time, which can sometimes lead to aggressive driving. While these penalties exist to prevent abuse of the system and inconvenience to the next user, they can add unexpected costs.
Practical tips for using car sharing
1. Register in advance
Download the Communauto or Turo mobile app and register in advance. The registration process can take several days, especially if your driving record needs to be verified, so it's best to take care of this before you urgently need a car.
2. Familiarize yourself with the FLEX zone
Familiarize yourself with the FLEX coverage area and parking rules if you use Communauto. Knowing the boundaries of the FLEX zone will help you plan your trips and avoid situations where you have to return the car far from your destination. Remember that you can travel outside the FLEX zone during your trip, but you must return the car within this zone.
3. Choose the right rate plan
Compare different rate plans and choose the one that best suits your needs. If you plan to use carsharing frequently for short trips, the FLEX Pass may be the most cost-effective option. If you only use a car a few times a month, the basic plan without a monthly fee may be a better choice.
4. Check the condition of the car
Always check the condition of the car before starting your trip. Communauto has a time-saving damage reporting system via a button on the car's dashboard. If you notice any new damage that is not marked with a sticker, be sure to report it to avoid liability. On Turo, the process may vary depending on the owner, so read the rental terms carefully and communicate with the owner before picking up the car.
5. Plan with time in mind
Plan your trips with time in mind. Try to return the car on time to avoid late return fees. If you see that you may be late due to traffic or other circumstances, contact customer support as soon as possible. Communauto also has free online support while you are in the car, similar to the On-Star system, which can help you with any questions you may have during your trip.
The Future of Car Sharing in Edmonton
Car sharing in Alberta, including Edmonton, has significant potential for growth. As more people look for alternatives to car ownership, demand for services such as Communauto and Turo will increase. Factors such as urbanization, environmental awareness, and technological advances will contribute to the adoption of car sharing, making it a convenient option for city dwellers.
Car sharing companies are also actively investing in the transition to electric vehicles, in line with the global trend toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Communauto has already begun adding electric Kia Niros to its Canadian fleet, and other car-sharing companies, such as Modo in British Columbia, have committed to transitioning entirely to zero-emission vehicles by 2030. This makes car sharing not only an economical choice, but also an environmentally responsible one.
However, for car sharing to continue to grow in Edmonton, coverage needs to be expanded and the number of vehicles increased. Many users have expressed a desire for larger drop-off and pick-up areas in major shopping centers, such as:
- Southgate
- Northgate
- West Edmonton Mall
- Capilano Mall
If these changes were implemented, more people would use the service, especially those who live or work further away from the city center.
Car sharing in Edmonton offers a real alternative to car ownership for those who do not need a vehicle on a daily basis. Communauto remains the main player in the market, providing a reliable and convenient service for short trips in the city center. Turo offers more variety and flexibility for those looking for specific types of cars or longer rentals. Both services have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on your individual needs, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you are a new Edmonton resident, a student without a car, or simply someone who wants to reduce their transportation costs, car sharing is worth considering as a practical and environmentally friendly solution for getting around the city.