We wish to inform our existing members and the general public that Toyota Canada’s latest recall DOES NOT affect AutoShare vehicles.
An article about the recall is available at wheels.ca. For more information or questions, please contact info@autoshare.com.
We have previously partnered with the TTC numerous times to offer their Annual Metropass subscribers a discount on our service. More importantly, we have consistently promoted the idea that transit delivers the best mobility value when it works efficiently in conjunction with as many other forms as possible. AutoShare has vehicles at about half of the Subway stations, and have been working with the City on innovative new parking ideas.
And in the future, this relationship will grow. The world is moving towards Mobility-as-a-service: smart, flexible and networked.
With the Toronto arrival of Bixi, the growing use of the Presto card and plans for an open fare system at the TTC, now is the time to look at an open networking of the GTA’s public, private, personal and social transit providers.
In Montreal STM transit riders are able to purchase a combined “Duo auto + bus” pass, combing the transit monthly pass with a reduced rate on car share operator Communauto, with a single online application. They can also get a discount on joining their homegrown Bixi bike sharing program.
In Chicago, a single CTA smart card can be purchased and used to access both the transit system and the local car share IGO-cars.
Locally, Metrolinx’s Presto card can actually be used today to access AutoShare’s RFID vehicle system.
AutoShare has always considered itself part of the GTA’s transportation system. Given the technical innovations now possible – and the tremendous need for improvements in how we move goods & people across the region – we look forward to working with the Toronto Transit Commission on a number of exciting possibilities.
Kevin McLaughlin
President
AutoShare
Ever see our street team out & about on the streets of TO? Now there is a great reason to come over and say hello. Whether you’re an existing member, looking to start using Toronto’s smarts car alternative or just want a freebie, we’ve got something for you. Ask out team members about how you can get your hands on a Free Membership, a $50 driving credit, or a $50 Dufferin Mall Gift Certificate.
Congratulations to our first winners:
Free Membership: Michelle S.
$50 Driving Credit: Adrian W.
$50 Gift Certificate: Andrew M.
Our Street Team @ Taste of the Danforth
We figured that many of you might want to show off your favourite team colors but may be a little shy to do it in an AutoShare car. To inspire you, we’ve decided to reward every member that sends us a picture of an AutoShare car sporting a country flag with a $5 driving credit. Consider it as us reimbursing you for the cost of the flag, depending where you bought it from. (We got ours for $2 a piece in Kensington Market).
All you need to do is post your photo on our Facebook page, tag a pic tweet with “@AutoShare”, post it on our Flickr group, or simply email it to tom@autoshare.com. May the best team win!
AutoShare has decided to collaborate with a unique Toronto art program ART ON THE MOVE. The program integrates public art and urban design by engaging professional artists and community members – kids, adults, and seniors – who collaborate to adorn vehicles with original artwork.
The design for AutoShare’s Ford Transit Connect was created by artist Susan Rowe Harrison, and 26 children of the Karen Kain School of the Arts Afternoon Art Club (Grades 4, 5 and 6). The program will officially launch June 15th, at the National Yacht Club and showcasing 5 original art-wrapped vehicles.
Photos of the wrap process can be found on our Flickr Profile.
Last week’s MusicShare winner is… drumroll please.
It was hard to pick only one winner. Matthew B. went through the trouble of making a mixtape, but not selecting the Reservoir Dogs OST contributed by Matt D. could have meant upsetting Mr. Pink. We picked both and this week they each get a $25 credit.
Thanks for sharing guys. We’ll announce this weeks winners early next week. Happy sharing.
Let’s MusicShare this summer! In the words of Alex L. the member who proposed the idea; “Members throw one or two of their favourite summer CDs into a vehicle that they use often. That way we’ll equip each vehicle with a variety of excellent summer music.”
Alex will start with car #22 (318 Clinton St., just south of Bloor) on Victoria Day weekend by sharing “Shine a Light” by the Rolling Stones. Post the music you’ve decided to share with others (and in what car) on our Facebook page or Tweet about it while tagging us. Based on feedback from other members, we will award one member a driving credit of $25 every week for a notable contribution.
Don’t have a CD to share but feel like you must hear a specific tune the next time you’re in one of our cars? Facebook or Tweet it and we may just surprise you with it if enough members get behind you.
For his wonderful idea and generous offer of the Stones CD, Alex gets a $50 credit this week.
The Globe & Mail has a great article about the 10 best outdoor activities around Toronto which we couldn’t help but share. AutoShare cars can often be found in the most remote places in Ontario on exactly such adverntures. If you have another activity or a great story from one you’ve gone on in the past, share it with us on our Facebook page.
The Globe & Mail article can be found here.
AutoShare is a proud and continued sponsor of Hot Docs, the Canadian international documentary film festival.
For more information about the festival visit www.hotdocs.ca.
Windermere House
Windermere House, the Lake Rosseau resort and Canada’s oldest hotel, recently underwent a comprehensive refurbishment program. The luxurious resort includes sumptuous cuisine, live entertainment, soothing spa services and over 50 recreational pursuits to enjoy at and around the resort.
The resort is also home to a luxurious fractional ownership development. The Cottages at Windermere House is an exclusive and private enclave of 12 lakefront cottages. For more information visit www.windermerehouse.com/thecottages.
The Contest (April 30th)
A two-night midweek getaway in a Lakeview Room prize will be drawn for AutoShare members who participate in a Windermere House Trivia Contest. The contest entry deadline is April 30, 2010. The winner will have until June 18, 2010 to redeem the prize. The prize is based on double occupancy, is valid for accommodations only (EP plan), has no cash value, and advance reservations are required and is subject to availability. The prize has an approximate cash value of $500 Canadian (before taxes and service charges).
To make things a little bit better, AutoShare will also donate a 72 hour reservation to the winner for the purpose of this trip.
The Discount (May 15th)
A 20% discount on all midweek accommodation rack rates (based on double occupancy) in Gardenview or Lakeview rooms at Windermere House for AutoShare members. This offer is valid for the entire season (until Thanksgiving 2010). To t