Carpooling: a €100 bonus for beginners

The government aims to develop carpooling practices. It relies on incentive measures to persuade the French.

150 million euros: that is the amount of the budget the government is releasing to encourage French people to carpool. The action plan, which will run from 2023 to 2027, follows a first carpooling plan announced three years ago by Elisabeth Borne. It includes several measures targeting local authorities, companies, but also individuals.

The government wants to increase the number of daily carpooling trips to 3 million, compared to the current 900,000. To achieve this, from January 1 and onwards, it will offer a €100 bonus for drivers who start carpooling. However, note that the amount can be given in the form of purchase vouchers. The decision will be up to the carpooling platform, which will handle the distribution of this bonus. The new carpooler will receive a minimum of €25 after their first trip. The remaining part of the bonus will be paid out after the 10th carpool trip, within three months of the first trip.

50 million euros for infrastructure

Local authorities implementing measures to develop carpooling will also be entitled to a share of the benefits. “The Government will also support carpooling in the long term by funding half of the financial incentives offered by some local authorities to drivers and passengers, based on the principle of €1 from the State for €1 from the local authority”, reads the related press release.

Moreover, France promises to mobilize €50 million from the green fund to assist local authorities in developing necessary infrastructure. This financial aid will help build new areas, as well as set up new carpooling routes. With stops similar to bus stations, they make life easier for both drivers and those seeking a vehicle.

Read also: Covoit’STAR: innovative carpooling for mobility in Rennes