Starting my trip

How do I start my trip with a vehicle I spotted on the street, or one I blocked allowing time to get there?

To begin a trip, you must:

1. In the Communauto mobile app, click on “Unlock” in the reservation banner, or if you aren’t using the app, place your key fob, or a compatible RFID card that you have previously registered in your customer profile – see Regional Specifics ), on the reader located on the driver’s side of the windshield.
2. You can then retrieve the car key from the key/card holder in the glove box (do not forget to put it back at the end of your trip).
3. You are ready to go!

Regional Specifics In Quebec, members frequently use their transit cards to access vehicles, instead of the mobile app, or the key fobs provided by Communauto in some (not all) branches. The OPUS card in the Quebec and Montreal regions, the STO Multi card in Gatineau and the STS La vermeilleuse card in Sherbrooke can be linked to your account. Only one transit card can be linked to your account. Once entered, it can be used to access vehicles in all cities in Quebec and Ontario, except Toronto. See “How do I use Communauto in other provinces and countries?“

How is the duration of my FLEX trip calculated?

Calculating the price of your trip starts when you access the vehicle with either your key fob or through the mobile app, and ends when the vehicle is released, however, credits apply in some situations. These include giving you time to clear snow from the vehicle in winter, and as a thank-you for fueling the vehicle or relocating it to a higher-use area. See the related questions for more information.

Will my co-member be able to access a FLEX vehicle blocked using my account?

No. The member who blocked the FLEX vehicle must use their own key fob or mobile app to unlock the car. Please note, this restriction does not exist in the case of round-trip vehicles available by reservation. Co-members can access round-trip vehicles reserved by each other. (See « Will my co-member be able to access my reservations as well?« )