For many people, one of the most intriguing aspects of Dancing Rabbit life is the absence of private automobiles. Instead, we have the Dancing Rabbit Vehicle Cooperative, or DRVC. In the DRVC, we share cars, and make group decisions about how to purchase, maintain, and operate them. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the DRVC:
Can anyone join the DRVC?
Generally, yes. Potential DRVC members must have a Missouri driver's license and not have any legal restrictions against their driving. We're open to non-Dancing Rabbit members joining the DRVC, too.
How much will it cost to use a car?
Members will pay a refundable deposit on joining (to provide operating capital and protect DRVC against members who accumulate a deficit, then leave suddenly). For general usage, a per mile fee will be charged. While this fee may vary based on which vehicle is being driven, since a big truck costs more to operate than a compact car, we expect it to be in the range of $0.25-0.30/mile. For comparison, businesses generally reimburse for personal car use at the rate of $0.31/mile--and they're not running on alternative fuels!
Members can cut their costs by carsharing, since a car still costs $0.30/mile to use even if there are three people in it, each paying $0.10/mile. Also, the DRVC may run subsidized regular trips into nearby Kirksville, Quincy, Ottumwa, and Memphis, and errands piggybacked onto these regular trips might end up being cheaper.
I want a car that's dependable. Will that be a problem?
Not at all--we all want a dependable car! The DRVC will have a Maintenance Team or other responsible person or persons who makes sure cars are kept in reliable running order. This will include doing preventative maintenance to preempt potential problems before they even begin. A good example of this system is in use at Twin Oaks Community in Louisa, VA, where 100 people share about a dozen vehicles.
Won't the cars be dirty inside with so many people using them?
In any shared situation, there's always a chance that a mess will accumulate. However, we'll strive to set up a system of personal responsibility and regular cleaning that will keep DRVC cars acceptably tidy.
What about business vehicles?
Currently, business users sign out cars in the same manner as individuals do.
What's the connection between Dancing Rabbit and the DRVC?
There is no specific legal connection between the two groups. Dancing Rabbit is in charge of the general operation of the demonstration ecovillage project, while the DRVC provides transportation alternatives for DR residents.
What will I have to do to get to use a car?
There will be a system of signing out vehicles to prevent time conflicts. Good systems for doing this has been modeled by Twin Oaks and other carsharing groups in the USA, Canada, and Europe.
Who will be in charge of the coop?
The DRVC will be democratically run (all members will have equal access to control). It will probably elect some group of people to run the day to day operations of the corporation, such as vehicle maintenance, making sure the insurance and registration are kept up, to handle scheduling, and so forth.
Will an emergency vehicle always be available?
Yes, we'd like to keep an emergency vehicle available at all times in case of medical problems. For instance, one DRVC member is a midwife who needs a car available at all times while she's on call. As the DRVC grows and owns more cars, it will become increasing simple to keep an emergency vehicle or vehicles available at all times.
Will all the cars be run on alternative fuels?
Yes. In accordance with the Covenants of the Dancing Rabbit Land Trust, all DRVC vehicles will be run on renewable fuels. For the foreseeable future, that probably means biodiesel (vegetable oil-based diesel fuel we make on site from used fast-food fryer oil). In the future, ethanol, hydrogen, or electrically-powered vehicles might also be an option.
What types of vehicles will be available?
The DRVC currently owns a diesel van, good for hauling people and cargo. In the future, it will operate a mix of small passenger cars, larger passenger vehicles suitable for group trips, pickup trucks, or whatever else is needed by its members. This will allow people to have access to the vehicle they need for a specific task, whether it's going to the airport or hauling tons of firewood.
In addition, we own a child bicycle trailer available for use by members. The DRVC may choose to get more fully involved with other forms of alternative transportation, as its goal is to provide "transportation" for its members, not just specifically cars. This might include bikes, golf carts, horses, pedal-powered cars, and so forth.
What about people with poor driving records?
The DRVC would like to make its services available to all. However, if insurance costs or safety concerns arise due to people with a history of accidents, it's possible that these people would only be allowed access to certain vehicles on which the higher insurance rate was being paid.
Can I donate or sell my car to the DRVC?
Yes! We are in need of diesel vehicles in good running condition. Give us a call if you'd like to give or sell us your car. Of course, diesel Rabbits are especially welcome!
For more info, see the DRVC website.
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