Although Zipcar and Autoshare immediately come to mind when one thinks of car-sharing options in Toronto, there is another option that's been around for a while. Options for Cars is a not-for-profit car sharing co-op that launched over a year and half ago, and has been slowly growing its fleet. Although it remains small — it currently boasts only five vehicles (four cars and a van) — the program might be of interest to those who live near where its existing cars are parked. The system is very similar to its bigger counterparts, but the rates are consistently cheaper.

The potential savings should theoretically attract users to the program, but I suspect that the long-term success of the co-op will depend on its ability to expand to wider range of locations. Toward that end, probably the most intriguing idea that Options for Cars is working on is what it calls the "Neighbourhood Car." This is a car that's parked in an individual's driveway and offered for use by the immediate community. In return for parking/storing the car and recruiting new users, the host receives a percentage of the revenue generated by the car.

It remains to be seen how many people will consider playing the role of host, but savvy individuals with parking space to spare and a community-driven spirit, may consider something like this a viable opportunity. So far, Options for Cars vehicles can be found on Queen East, in the Junction, near Donlands subway station and in Guildwood in Scarborough.

Photo via Options for Cars