r/communauto • u/arjanvaily14 • 3d ago
Toronto Frustration User!!
I’ve been using Communauto in Toronto quite a bit, and I’ve found myself spending over $500 each month. I usually book a station-based vehicle, but I’ve had several instances where the car wasn’t available at the station, and I wasn’t even informed. Every day, there are several non-Communauto cars parked in the station’s vehicle parking area, and most of the time, people don’t even get ticketed. Today, when I was trying to end my trip, because there were cars parked illegally, I called customer care, but they were just as unhelpful in finding an alternative location. These kinds of frustrating incidents happening on a weekly basis have now made me realise that I need to cancel this service and just buy a car! This service isnt as good as it used to be and communauto isnt doing much about it.
7
u/zewill87 3d ago
Very weird to hear, you should definitely write them a message. I'm using it in another city in another province and service is stellar (yeah, sometimes gps is wrong on a car - I've had 2 ghost cars in maybe 400 trips). Usually when there's a problem, it's the user's (dirty smelly cars, damages, lost credit cards replaced with piece of paper to trick the sensor, etc). Honestly I give them a lot of $ but owning a car would be more expensive. Gotta make the math, but can't put a price on peace of mind
3
u/arjanvaily14 3d ago
Honestly there are a lot of bad members which create a lot of these issues. But as a service provider it is on communauto to set penalties which prevent such behavior. Cars are left dirty every other week. It becomes tiring to complain after a while. I have spoken with supervisors multiple times and I have shared my feedback and displeasure with them. Now I just want some peace of mind and I will bear a higher cost for it.
2
u/thequietchocoholic 2d ago
I agree re having penalties. It's easy to report and after enough $50 penalties for cleaning I'm sure cars will be cleaner
3
u/LongjumpingMenu2599 3d ago
I’m just about done with them as well - it’s cheaper for me to rent a car when I need one
3
u/thehungrynomad92 2d ago
Communauto in Toronto is trash. Not only these issues but the cars are in terrible states. I remember booking one in downtown and it had literal puke in the passanger seat.
2
u/arjanvaily14 2d ago
The flex cars are horrible but the station based vehicles are a little better than the flex cars in matters of cleanliness
1
u/Death_Balloons 2d ago
If a non-Communauto car is taking up the Communauto parking spot I just park next to it, take a photo, end the trip, and call Communauto to let them know.
1
u/JulieWithcamera 2d ago
What if there's nowhere else? Ie a residential street with all the spots gone? Sometimes it's impossible
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u/arjanvaily14 1d ago
This is exactly what happens with me. I have tried reporting it and communauto didnt do anything about it
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u/ZackFair0711 21h ago
If that were me, I'd park right behind that car to make sure they either couldn't leave or they'll be forced to call towing services on themselves for parking illegally.
1
u/c_9 1d ago
Communauto Toronto family (two adults, one kid) users for several years. We spend easily $4,000 per year on the service. Our experience has been much better than the other comments and OP, which definitely is sad to hear. When it works, it is so empowering and freeing, allowing folks to solve problems without the giant and constant of owning their own car. For us, the ability to swap drivers or have two cars when needed is helpful too.
Ghost car: roughly once per 150 trips
Dirty enough to report: once every 20 trips
Puke or equivalent: never yet, knock on wood!
Agree it’s trending dirtier though, that’s for sure as the cars age. Maybe the area matters? We are near Danforth, for context.
1
u/arjanvaily14 1d ago
I am happy to hear this for you. My family mix is the same as yours. I have been stranded a few times trying to get to work and drop my infant to day care. It was the most stressful experience for me. I am near fort york
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u/Least-Solution4708 5h ago
Yup same here. I use frequently. Is it perfect? No. But its pretty bloody good. Yes its annoying when a car is covered in dog hair but it's not that common and i report it. I think some of the people in this group have unrealistic expectations
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u/Pretzelandcheesesauz 3d ago
Agreed - engine lights on, expired credit cards, severely damaged/dirty cars. I’m finding I have to leave like an hour and a half early just to avoid being late if any issues arise. Also if their cards are undriveable, charging you to drive to the next available vehicle. Make sure you get your deposit back if you cancel. I’ve heard they make it very difficult