Our Services
Want to know how to take a Communauto FLEX trip? Watch the videos below! For all the details, see “Using and Parking One-Way FLEX Vehicles”, or “Using Round-trip Vehicles available by reservation” in the FAQ.
In Halifax and Dartmouth, Communauto offers two distinct services: the one-way FLEX service, which does not require a reservation, and the round-trip reservation service.
One-way FLEX without reservation
Travel from point A to B: Release your FLEX car where you want, when you want.
- The ideal solution for spontaneous trips or when you plan to return using another transportation mode.
- Release the car at your destination within the FLEX Zone to minimize costs and take advantage of parking in resident-only zones.
- Feel the freedom of getting around with FLEX!
Round-trip vehicles available by reservation
Station-based: Bring your Communauto back to its station.
- Pick up the car at the station you selected and return it to the station where you picked it up at the agreed time.
- Round-trip vehicles can be booked up to a month in advance.
- Ideal for planned trips or when you need to make sure you have access to a vehicle at a specific time and place.
Your Communauto Atlantic membership gives you access to Communauto vehicles in Halifax and Dartmouth.
To learn how to access cars elsewhere, see “How do I use Communauto in other provinces and countries?” in the FAQ.
Find a Car
Download the Communauto app to block a one-way FLEX vehicle or reserve a round-trip vehicle in Halifax. The map below will give you a quick overview of our vehicle network in Halifax and Dartmouth.
Our Fleet
Choose between our different types of vehicles, depending on your needs!
| Hatchback | Sedan | |
| Compact | Toyota Prius C Kia Rio | |
| Mid-size | Kia Niro EV | Toyota Corolla Kia Forte |
| Family (+ 10%) | Kia Sportage | N/A |
| Utility (+ 15%) | N/A | N/A |
| Minivan (+ 15%) | Kia Carnival | N/A |
We also have a wheelchair accessible Dodge Caravan van, as part of the Access-Ability program.
When reserving round-trip vehicles, you can use the “Options” tool in the mobile app to search for a specific vehicle category or set of accessories.
All our vehicles are non-smoking.
Parking Rules
Freedom from parking hassles is one of the big advantages of carsharing. There’s no need to pay for monthly parking, and it’s one more way that carsharing saves you money!
Thanks to our partner at Alderney Landing, Communauto Atlantic cars can also park for free in several waterfront lots. No pay and display needed! Learn more >
Round-trip vehicle parking
In addition to allowing you to enjoy many parking privileges while using a vehicle (see our parking guide for more details), all of our round-trip vehicles have reserved parking spaces which will be waiting for you at the end of each trip.
Our vehicle stations are located, for the most part, in private or public lots. At each lot there is a specific parking spot reserved for us.
Find out parking details in the Communauto app by clicking on the station name once you have selected a vehicle. Learn more >.
Vehicles in Station Zones
Unlike a regular station with a fixed location, a station zone corresponds to an area on the map, visible in the Communauto app. To find out the perimeter covered by a station zone, simply click on its icon.
Vehicles at these stations are parked on the street and can be anywhere within the zone boundaries. They do not have a fixed parking space.
They have the same parking permits as FLEX cars since the same rules apply for on-street parking. At the end of your trip, you simply release the car inside its station zone and make sure that the space is not restricted. You will need to pay special attention to the signage. Learn more >
FLEX parking
In Halifax and Dartmouth, FLEX vehicles can be released within the FLEX Zone where 1-hour, 2-hour, pay zone, and “EXCEPT BY PERMIT” signs are displayed, provided there are no additional parking restrictions in place.
Be sure to check all parking signs before you release the vehicle.
Keep in mind that you are not allowed to release a vehicle in a zone with temporary parking restrictions (for example “No Parking 4pm-6pm”), even if parking is permitted at the time of your return.
FLEX cars can also be released on other streets where there are no restrictions within the FLEX Zone as well as in “FLEX Drop-off Points”.
To learn all the details about where you can or cannot park inside the FLEX Zone consult our parking guide.
Gas
The cost of gas is always included in our rates.
For your convenience, credit cards are provided in vehicles for refuelling. For instructions on how to use the cards, see “Fuelling, collisions, and other trip-related questions” in the FAQ.
We ask that you return the vehicles with at least a quarter tank of gas. This is a rule of courtesy toward other members.
Insurance
Communauto vehicles are covered by insurance, including collision and third-party liability. You can drive with peace of mind!
When you apply, all you have to do is choose a Damage Protection Plan option which will determine the maximum damage fee you will have to pay in the event of collision or damage to a vehicle, namely: $0, $300, or $600 per event (responsible or not). Learn more >
See Insurance and Damage Protection in the FAQ for full details.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to join, you must:
- Be at least 19 years of age (unless joining under a family membership)
- Hold a Nova Scotia class 5 or 5N licence or equivalent
- Have a relatively clean driving record
- Have a good credit record
Within a minimum of the last three years, you must:
- Have no major or criminal driving convictions
- Have no violations relating to impaired driving
You can order your driving record by mail, or by visiting Access Nova Scotia. They charge $18.65 for an abstract.
If you prefer, we can verify your driving record on your behalf for a cost of $20. You can request this in the online application form.
See Eligibility Criteria in the FAQ for full details, or what to do if your driver’s licence has been issued in another province or country.
Application timeline
Please allow four business days for us to process your application.
As soon as you receive the email confirming approval of your application, you can start using the service without delay.