Power storage innovations such as Vancouver's Ballard power cell show great promise for the vehicles of the future. In the meantime, the gridlock during rush hour, as well as environmental concerns, is prompting more and more individuals to adopt alternate means of transportation, from public transport, to car pooling, to bicycling, jogging, and walking. Beginning in the 1980s with groups in Europe, then increasingly in the 1990s in the USA and Canada, organizations that own vehicles for the use of their members have been growing in urban centres. This protects the co-operative from bad drivers and from people who don't pay their bills. To use the family car, mini-van, or small truck owned by VCSC, a member phones ahead and books a vehicle for the required time.
Usage is paid on a time and kilometer basis.
The co-operative pays for maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and gasoline. You may never have to go to car repair shop again. The co-operative itself buys the vehicles and the insurance under a 'fleet plan' option. The insurance covers all the usual risks. Should a member be at fault in a collision, that member pays the deductible just as he or she would with a personally-owned car.