Whether you're commuting, heading to an event, or planning a weekend trip, BC has options to suit your lifestyle and budget. Here's a breakdown of three main ways to get around: car ownership, car sharing and public transit. Plus, tips on how BCAA can help you save and stay protected—no matter which option you choose.

Car Ownership

Owning a car gives you freedom and flexibility. It’s great for errands and weekend trips. But it can often be the most expensive option, with upfront costs, mandatory insurance and maintenance.

Pros:

• Travel anywhere, anytime—daily work commute, everyday errands or go for a BC road trip when it best suits you. No need to rely on transit schedules or availability.
• Your car is your personal space. Customize how you wish, clean it as often as you need and make it your own.
• Choose a vehicle that fits your lifestyle, from SUVs to compact cars or even an EV.
• BCAA offers plenty of support for vehicle owners:
  • All BC vehicles need ICBC Autoplan insurance. BCAA is one of the largest brokers and can help in your preferred language.
  • BCAA Members get 24/7 Roadside Assistance for towing, lockouts, and more.
  • Get exclusive Member savings with 5% off all products and services at Kal Tire, save 3¢/L on fuel with Shell and 10% off BCAA Auto Service Centres.
  • Buying or selling a used car? Check out BCAA Auto Marketplace. Members save on seller packages.

Cons:

• High upfront costs whether you buy, lease or finance.
• Ongoing costs: All BC vehicles require basic insurance (known as ICBC Autoplan), plus costs for gas, maintenance, parking and preparing your car for winter.
• Winter driving can be challenging if you're not used to it.
• If you’re purchasing a used vehicle, you may want to consider a pre-purchase inspection to learn if there’s any underlying issues or accept that it may come with extra repair or maintenance costs.

Car Share

Car sharing is a convenient and flexible option that gives you access to a car when you need it, without the cost of ownership.

There are two types:

• Station-based: Pick up and return at set locations.
• Free-floating: Pick up nearby and return anywhere within a “home zone.”

Get more ways to move with Evo Car Share—BC’s largest car share fleet with 2,500+ hybrid and electric vehicles across Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, plus Evo Return in Surrey and Nanaimo. You can also ride with Evolve E-Bike Share for quick, convenient trips.

Why It Works:

• Affordable: No payments for gas, insurance, maintenance or extra kilometers – it’s all included in Evo’s low per-minute, per-hour and day rates. Just drive and Evo will always calculate the lowest rate based on the time you use. Plus, there’s over 50,000 parking spots you can leave an Evo for free (including meters and residential permit-only zones).
• Convenient: Just pick up a car near you, go anywhere for as long as you want, then park it back in the Home Zone and you’re done – all at your fingertips via the Evo app.
• Flexible: Evos are available 24/7. No need to rely on transit schedules and routes.
• Extra space: Fold-down seats, plus, ski and bike racks on the roof for your gear.
• No BC licence? No problem. Just meet the minimum driving requirements and send a copy of your 2 year driving record issued by your home licensing authority. Read more here.

How BCAA Helps:

Become a BCAA Member and make getting around BC even easier. Members get a free Evo Membership, 60 minutes of free drive time, and 10% off driving rates. Learn more and sign up today. 

Transit

Public transit is reliable and eco-friendly. It’s a great choice in cities like Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops and Prince George.

Pros:

• Low fares.
• Avoid traffic and parking hassles.
• Relax while commuting – read, listen to music or podcasts.

A range of options in the Greater Vancouver Area:

• SkyTrain: Connects downtown Vancouver to Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Surrey and Richmond.
• West Coast Express: Serves commuters from the Fraser Valley (including Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission) to downtown Vancouver.
• Rapid Buses: Frequent service every 10 to 15 minutes on popular routes in Metro Vancouver.
• Public Bus Networks: Regular daytime service available in most BC cities and towns.
• Ferries: Get from downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver on the Seabus, or to Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast or the Gulf Islands with a ferry. BCAA Members save $10 on roundtrip bookings with Hullo Ferries to Nanaimo.
• Pair with Micromobility Options: Use Evolve E-Bikes and E-Scooters to reach transit stops. Available in North Vancouver, Squamish, Saanich and Langford.

Cons:

• Less flexible than driving.
• Crowded during rush hour.
• Service hours may not fit all schedules.

Choosing What Works for You

Whether you're new to Canada or adjusting your lifestyle, BC has options to fit your needs. Many people use a mix of all three. Think about your comfort driving, how often you travel and what each option might cost for a month to help make a decision.

No matter how you get around, make the most of it with BCAA. Become a Member and start saving—on the road, on transit or when you car share. BCAA often has special deals for newcomers.