Car share company pitches Coquitlam expansion

Modo may get a little competition in Coquitlam.

City council is set to consider allowing Evo Car Share to set up operations around major population centres. The company would be a good fit for Coquitlam, according to Evo’s senior manager of business operations Dave Wharf.

“We’re seeing a lot of density. We love that . . . that allows the vehicles to keep moving,” Wharf told council.

While Wharf credited Modo for doing a good job in the city, he noted the distinction between the companies.

As a free-floating carshare, Evo customers can leave their car within a designated neighbourhood, rather than bringing it back to the same block.

Evo currently operates on the Burnaby side of North Road. With council’s permission, the company would expand into Burquitlam and add a new zone around City Centre.

Coun. Trish Mandewo voiced one concern about the expansion.

“I just want make sure that we’re not getting people to not use transit because we are advocating for more transit,” she said.

The service is designed to connect commuters to and from transit, Wharf responded. The carshare option may also save some residents from the need to buy a car, he added.

With council’s approval, Evo could start operating in Coquitlam in late 2026 or early 2027, according to a city staff report.

“Staff anticipate an increase in demand and use from residents,” the report stated, noting parking permit fees would likely generate between $20,000 and $25,000.

Modo, which uses a two-way model, has been operating in Coquitlam since 2013 and now has 27 vehicles and approximately 1,200 members.

Evo is a subsidiary of BCAA.