New one-way service across both cities to be launched mid-October
Ottawa–Gatineau, September 26, 2025 – A major step forward for sustainable mobility in the National Capital Region is being made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of the Cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. Together, the two municipalities have approved the launch of FLEX, Communauto’s one-way carsharing service, which will begin operating across both cities in mid-October.
The two cities have approved a pilot project framework that will allow Communauto to launch an initial fleet of 30 FLEX vehicles, parked on-street, that can, for the first time, be picked up in one city and dropped off in the other. Residents will enjoy seamless cross-border travel with one simple and affordable rate across both provinces.
The initial pilot service zone will include île de Hull in Gatineau, as well ten residential permit zones in Ottawa (Centre Town, East, Central and West, Dalhousie North, Glebe East and West, Sandy Hill North, East Osgoode, West and East – Templeton).
“Ottawa and Gatineau may be in two different provinces, but we are one economic region. This car-sharing pilot project just makes good sense for our residents and our local economy. It’s going to provide more convenient options for people to move around our region, while supporting sustainable mobility and reducing costs for families.”
– Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa
“To achieve our sustainable mobility goals, it was essential for the Gatineau–Ottawa region to have a free-floating carsharing service available without reservation. In today’s economic context, providing a more affordable alternative to car ownership is a necessity. Each free-floating vehicle can replace 7 to 11 private cars on the road, helping to reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for the entire community. I welcome this collaboration between our two cities, which reflects the economic reality and the transportation matters of our region.”
– Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of the City of Gatineau
“Carsharing plays a vital role in cities by offering citizens an alternative to car ownership, reducing the number of vehicles on the road, and encouraging the use of public transit and active mobility. In Ottawa and Gatineau, FLEX significantly enhances the attractiveness of existing carsharing services, especially across municipal boundaries. This success would not have been possible without the leadership, support, and collaboration of both cities. We are deeply grateful to Ottawa and Gatineau for their commitment to innovation and sustainable urban mobility, which has been instrumental in making this pilot project possible.”,
– Benoît Robert, President and founder of Communauto
Communauto FLEX: How Does It Work
Communauto FLEX cars can be used to drive everywhere, from short drives to multi-week trips, giving members the freedom to start and end trips wherever it’s most convenient on street within the operating zone—no need to return the vehicle to its starting point. FLEX vehicles offer spontaneous usage, allowing members to keep the car for as long as needed without a reservation. This complements Communauto’s existing round-trip service with reservations already available in Ottawa and Gatineau, providing residents with more flexibility and choice. Users seamlessly access and lock cars, as well as activate the fuel card, all through the Communauto mobile app.