Modo's accessibility vans
- British Columbia, Canada
The Canadian car-sharing co-operative Modo provides wheelchair accessible vans, which feature a folding ramp and rear entrance for wheelchair users, as a part of its fleet.
Service Provided
Modo’s wheelchair-accessible vans feature wheelchair tie-down straps and seat a driver, the wheelchair user, and up to three additional passengers. These vehicles can be booked by members 24/7 via the Modo app or online. While available to all members, the vans are primarily intended for drivers transporting wheelchair users, enabling trips to medical appointments, social activities, and daily errands.
Intended Users
The vans are intended for families, caregivers, and drivers transporting wheelchair users. They particularly serve households or organisations who do not wish to own, or can afford to own, a specialized accessible vehicle. The accessible vans in Modo’s fleet are best suited to transporting wheelchair users as a passenger.
Benefits
Providing accessible vans helps reduce transportation barriers for wheelchair users. They provide a flexible alternative to purchasing a vehicle or using other accessible transportation options. Modo’s vans allow families to borrow a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to use according to their own itineraries. This supports independence and reduces the financial burden and urban space consumption of owning a private accessible vehicle.
Service Details
The accessibility vans are part of Modo’s fleet in its two most populous service areas – Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia (BC). The vans were introduced in the late 2010s following member demand and have remained permanently available since then. They are central located in Vancouver and Victoria, and bookings can be made via the app, online, or by phone. As with all Modo vehicles, they operate on a round-trip (A-to-A) model, requiring return to the same location. Currently Modo has two vans, though the cooperative sees demand for more.
Financial Details
The wheelchair accessible vans are loaned out at Modo’s lowest available rate. Depending on membership type, this rate is either $5 or $6 per hour plus $0.35/km, or a daily rate of $100 including 250-500km.
Modo member
“Thank you for providing this van and just giving our family an affordable option and at the same time flexibility and freedom to transport our loved ones to appointments.”
About the Service Provider
Modo is the oldest carsharing cooperative in Canada - it began in 1997 with two Pontiac Fireflies. Its members set out to provide affordable and accessible transportation that minimizes environmental impact and changes the way people think about how they get around. It has since grown to approximately 1000 vehicles and 30,000 members. Modo places a high value on accommodating as many types of users as possible and provides a diverse fleet to meet member preferences.