Zipcar to stop operations in B.C. May 1

Car sharing company Zipcar has announced it will cease operations in B.C. as of May 1, 2020.

In an email to customers, the Boston-based companypointedto insurance regulations as part of the reason.

"Unfortunately, due to the complexities of operating in British Columbia, including local insurance regulations, we've had to make the tough choice to close Zipcar locations in your province," readsthe email.

Zipcar, which is owned by car rental company Avis Budget Group began operating in B.C. in 2007 in nine cities, including Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler.

In the notice, the company saidcustomers can still use their memberships in other locations and it will continue operating in other North American cities.

Share Now, formerly known as Car2Go, shut down operations in North America in February.

The company blamed the "volatile state of the global mobility landscape" at the time citing increasedcompetition among car-share services, rising operating costs and the lack of infrastructure to support new technology such as electric vehicles.