Coquitlam council is set to consider Evo car share expansion

Coquitlam council is set to consider allowing Evo Car Share to operate in major population centres. Dave Wharf, Evo’s senior manager of business operations, told council the company would be a good fit for Coquitlam because of its density. He credited Modo with doing a good job in the city, while noting that Evo uses a free-floating model: customers can leave a vehicle within a designated neighbourhood instead of returning it to the same block. Evo currently operates on the Burnaby side of North Road. With council’s permission, it would expand into Burquitlam and add a zone around City Centre.

Coun. Trish Mandewo said she wanted to ensure the expansion would not discourage people from using transit. Wharf replied that the service is designed to connect commuters to and from transit, and said car share may also spare some residents from buying a vehicle. A city staff report says Evo could begin operating in Coquitlam in late 2026 or early 2027 if council approves the expansion. Staff anticipate increased demand and use by residents, and estimate parking permit fees would likely generate between $20,000 and $25,000.

Modo, which uses a two-way model, has operated in Coquitlam since 2013 and now has 27 vehicles and about 1,200 members. Evo is a subsidiary of BCAA.