Transport: The Multimodal Revolution Is Underway

In the face of economic challenges and increased environmental awareness, the French are reinventing their way of getting around.

The independent research institute ODOXA and the rental company Sixt have just conducted a groundbreaking study on French mobility behaviors. It reveals that optimizing daily trips is becoming a priority, driven by criteria such as saving time, convenience, cost savings, and environmental impact.

This transformation is reflected in a boom in multimodality. Thus, 64% of French people have changed their transportation habits in recent years. Overall, they travel less than before (40%), while public transportation use is increasing (30%). New practices related to cars are also emerging: 19% carpool, 15% share cars, 11% lease, and 10% rent.

The era of a single mode of transport seems to be over. Today, the French tailor their choices based on their needs, switching between cars, public transit, cycling, scooters, or carpooling. Nearly three out of ten French people (29%) use at least two different modes of transport every week.

Nevertheless, cars still hold a central place, with 73% of French people considering themselves dependent on this mode of transportation. It remains the preferred choice for daily trips:

• 79% use it weekly, and 50% daily.
• 18% supplement their trips with public transportation, 15% ride a bicycle, and 8% turn to a motorized two-wheeler.

However, so-called “alternative” mobility options continue to grow. Since 2019, weekly bicycle use has increased from 13% to 16%, scooter use from 5% to 7%, and scooter sharing has doubled, reaching 6%. These trends reflect a lasting integration into daily life, demonstrating more flexible, hybrid, and consciously chosen mobility.

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