sayonara, car 124!

In May, we retired our last two Mazda Proteges! (That's Mr. Car 124, pictured at right.)

For more than a decade, Mazda Proteges were the most common make and model in our fleet. Over the years, we bought 38 of them, a record which still stands.

The most common car in our fleet right now? The Toyota Matrix, of which we have 29. We also have 29 Nissan Versas, but they’re divided into 18 hatchbacks and 11 sedans. The oldest car in our fleet? That’s now the 2004 Toyota Sienna at Denman Place Mall.

The average age of our fleet is 4 years old, which we recently learned is also the average age for Switzerland’s carshare, Mobility. Founded 10 years prior to Modo’s founding in 1997, Mobility boasts a healthy 102,100 members sharing a whopping 2,650 vehicles!

Modo currently has about 8,000 drivers sharing 290 vehicles, and growing. Our 300th vehicle will hit the road this fall.

commuter challenge, jun 2-8

In our annual survey, we weren't surprised to learn that well more than 90% of you commute via feet, bike, transit or telecommute (versus about 20% of Metro Vancouver as a whole). So you won't be surprised to learn that Modo is sponsoring this year’s Commuter Challenge! The fun, friendly FREE competition encourages individuals, companies and organizations to find creative solutions to transportation that reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. Plus, there are prizes! Find detailed instructions for how to join TEAM MODO here. 

Oh, and here’s something to tell your friends... We're rewarding BC Commuter Challenge participants with a special offer: FREE REGISTRATION + $25 FREE DRIVING when they sign up for a Modo membership! 

chinatown story booth, presented by modo

Have you heard? Vancouver's Chinatown Night Market is getting a turbo charge this year, with new vendors and dynamic programming designed to bring the whole community out and interacting. Expect live music, storytelling, ping-pong, Mahjong, outdoor movies, art and Modo!

Throughout the summer, Modo and Rabble.ca will present a special podcast project, called the Chinatown Story Booth. Broadcasting from a Modo-vehicle-turned-recording-studio, Co-op Radio's Tanya Hill will capture the sounds and stories of the Night Market, talking with vendors, tasting the food, chatting one-on-one with Chinatown’s old guard, and inviting marketgoers to share their stories! Follow the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market blog for updates and recording dates.

Also, keep an eye out for news on Modo Sharing Stations at the Night Market in July and August!

volunteering = $20 driving credit

Looking for something fun to do in your free time this summer? Why not join the Modo team as an event volunteer?!

We'll be at a variety of events from Car Free Day to the new Vancouver Chinatown Night Market, from neighbourhood barbecues to Vancouver Pride festivities, and more - including the New Westminster Show & Shine! And we need volunteers to help share the good news about sharing. In exchange for a short 3–4 hour shift, volunteers get $20 in free driving, plus free admission to the events.

Email Tommy for an updated event schedule and to learn more about volunteering: tommy@modo.coop.

2 for 1 admission at the museum of vancouver

This June, the MOV is inviting you to get down to beautiful Vanier Park and experience your museum!

Flash your Modo fob and you'll get 2 for 1 admission to the award-winning civic museum that creates Vancouver focused exhibitions and programs that explore what this city was, is and can be. (Not valid for programming, special events, group visits or memberships. Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash value.)

community calendar

May 31 – Rock for Paws, Vancouver

Join Modo at the Wise Hall for this friendly, community rock benefit concert to raise awareness about animal welfare issues in the province, about the work Paws for Hope is doing to respond and to assist with programming - while taking in a good night of rock 'n roll! Featuring local bands DUOTONE, Eddy Olson Jr. and The Off Sales and Bad Wougar. Come by our booth and say hi! Details and Tickets

Jun 1 – Chinatown Night Market official opening night, Vancouver – FREE

Come discover what the new Night Market's fresh new lineup of live entertainment, shopping stalls, activities for all ages, and more. Opening night features the inaugural Chinatown Night Market Ping Pong Club. Subsequent nights will see storytelling by Rain City Chronicles, hip-hop karaoke, Mahjong, dumpling festivals, a variety show, photo shows and outdoor cinema. And tons of yummy food from vendors, restaurants (with beer gardens) and food trucks. Find the fun along the 100 block of Keefer Street on Fridays to Sundays from 6 to 11 p.m. until September 8. Schedule

Jun 1 – West End Farmers Market opens, Vancouver 

Saturdays through October 19 along the 1100 block of Comox, across from Nelson Park at Mole Hill. Details

Jun 5 – Main Street Farmers Market opens, Vancouver

Wednesdays through October 2 at Thornton Park, just off the Main Street Skytrain Station in Thornton Park, across from the VIA Rail Station. Details

Jun 6 – First Thursday, Vancouver - FREE

You know how other cities have nights when all the galleries are open late and throngs of people drift through, meeting other art lovers, sipping wine and loving life? Well, folks, a cohort of Mount Pleasant galleries are doing something similar for Vancouver, on the first Thursday of every night. It's still early days for the monthly event, but it's sure to grow. Details

Jun 7–9 – In The House Festival, Vancouver

In the House brings all genres of music, dance, theatre, circus, magic, puppets, storytelling, spoken word, cabaret, burlesque and more into 13 houses, which serve as venues for 20 performances over one weekend. Living rooms and backyards open their doors so that you, the audience, can experience the world of performance in original and unforgettable ways. Modo is proud to sponsor this festival, which aims to showcase Vancouver talant while building friendships, creating wonder and strengthening neighborhoods. Schedule and Tickets

Jun 8 – In The House Festival: East Van Represent, Vancouver

Modo is presenting sponsor of this showcase of East Vancouver musical acts sure to get your foot tappin’ and your hands clappin’. The show features Glittering Kingdom, Blackberry Wood and Melissa Bandura performing at 1115 Semlin Drive. Join us! Tickets

Jun 8–9 – Family FUSE Weekend, Vancouver

The Vancouver Art Gallery's Family FUSE Weekend invites you to use the power of your imagination to fly away with artists, musicians, performers and educators in an exciting exploration of the "Wonderlands". Set forth on an adventure, dream big and discover inspiring places together through exciting activities, performances and hands-on sessions on all floors of the VAG. Meet artists, musicians, dancers, performers, and educators for a weekend filled with family fun! Participate in a range of fun activities, performances, and hands-on sessions throughout the gallery. Free for gallery members and children under 12. Details
 

Jun 14–16 – Farm to Fork: Summer Retreat, Gambier Island

Camp Fircom is hosting its second annual Summer Farm to Fork retreat weekend, a fun, educational and relaxing retreat on Gambier Island for aspiring farmers, new gardeners and general ambassadors of local, healthy food. Get all your questions answered about farming! Details and Presenter Bios

Jun 14–16 – ReImagine: At Home in the Woods, Gambier Island

Fircom is running a women's retreat that provides wilderness training and skills in a safe, supportive environment. Over the weekend, the women will hike the entire length of Gambier Island while learning everything they need to know about the outdoors. Details and Hike Route

Jun 15 – Kerrisdale Village Farmers Market opens

Saturdays through October 12 on East Boulevard, between 37th and 41st Avenues, near Kerridale Arena. Details

Jun 15 – MEC Bike Fest, Vancouver – FREE

Come join the fun and connect with your local cycling community. You can try out gear, test ride a new bike, browse exhibitors’ booths, score deals at the MEC Bike Swap, or learn skills at a bike clinic. There’ll also be bike races, performers, entertainment, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Bring your bike, family and riding buddies, and embrace the awesomeness of two wheels. Details

And don't miss Flat Fix Fiasco sponsored by Modo at 1pm:

Think you're the fastest tire-changer in the West? Come prove it at the Flat Fix Fiasco presented by Modo the Car Co-op! Participants will compete in a tire-changing competition with an elimination playoff format until one person is left standing. The Top 3 finishers will all receive a Modo gift pack with a little something extra thrown in from MEC. 
Wheels, tires, tubes, tire-levers, and pumps will be provided by MEC.

Jun 16 – Car Free Day, various locations – FREE

With a mission to nurture and grow car-free spaces in collaboration with local communities, the annual Car Free Day will see street festivals pop up all over the city, including Main Street, Commercial Drive, the West End and Kitsilano. Take to the streets with your neighbours for music, food, vendors and tons of fun activities. Look for Modo and the Sharing Project at the Main Street Car Free Day! Details

Jun 27 – Undercover Wine Tasting Benefit, Vancouver
Sleuthing for wines can be a daunting experience, especially when looking for great value on a budget. Experience a "blind" wine tasting hosted by wine expert and personality Kurtis Kolt, at Undercover, a fundraiser to benefit Modo Community Partner Shooting Stars Foundation. Featuring special guests WineMonkey, who will provide a "hands on/tongues on" interactive experience to help you sniff and sip your way to wines you love. Tickets

LOOK FOR MODO AT THE FOLLOWING EVENTS THIS SUMMER (and consider volunteering!):

Jun 28 – Modo Neighbourhood BBQ at Mergatroid Building, Vancouver – FREE

Hosted by Terminal City Glass Co-op. Pets welcome!

Jun 29 – East Side Pride, Grandview Park, Vancouver – FREE

Jul 5 – Chinatown Night Market, Vancouver – FREE

Featuring a Modo Sharing Station

Jul 6 – Quattro Street Festival, Surrey – FREE

Jul 12 – Chinatown Night Market, Vancouver – FREE 

Featuring a Modo Sharing Station

Jul 14 – Show & Shine, New Westminster – FREE

Jul 21 – HUB Member BBQ, Vancouver – FREE

Jul 27 – Pride Picnic In The Park, Stanley Park – FREE

Aug 9 – Modo Member Night at the Chinatown Night Market – FREE

Featuring performances by the St James Music Academy & City Opera Vancouver

modo moves

Vancouver – West End

UPGRADE: Camelot

Find a 2013 white Fiat 500 (#451) instead of a 2005 Toyota Matrix.

Vancouver – False Creek

UPGRADE: Main Street SkyTrain

Find a 2013 blue Chevrolet Orlando (#462) instead of a 2011 Nissan Juke. 

FLOATERS: Main Street SkyTrain

As of May 28, find a 2012 purple Scion iQ (#459) and a 2011 red Nissan Juke (#302).

UPGRADE: Moberly

Find a 2013 red Toyota Prius C (#461) instead of a 2008 Toyota Corolla.

UPGRADE: Willow & W 7th

Find a 2011 grey Honda CRV (#343) instead of a 2003 Mazda Protege.  

Vancouver – Cedar Cottage

UPGRADE: Prince Albert

Find a 2012 grey Chevrolet Orlando (#463) instead of a 2007 Mazda 5.

Vancouver – Grandview-Woodland

UPGRADE: Lakewood & E 1st

Find a 2013 red Toyota Prius C (#458) instead of a 2005 Toyota Corolla.

LOCATION CHANGE: Lakewood & E 7th > Lakewood & E 8th

Find our Dodge Journey located one block south of its previous home. Park in front of 2395 Lakewood Drive, on the west side of the street, close to the lane.

North Vancouver

LOCATION CHANGE: Lonsdale & 5th > Lonsdale & 4th

Find our Nissan Juke located one and a half blocks south of its previous home. The designated Modo stall is on the east side of Lonsdale Street, just south of 4th Avenue.