Retirement Reform: The Strike Boosts Shared Mobility

The widespread strike call led to disruptions in public transportation on January 19, and boosted the rental of bikes, scooters, and car-sharing services.

Thursday, January 19, was marked by protests all across France against the new pension reform. For others, it was a black Thursday in public transportation, as in Paris with very significant disruptions. What options did users turn to: cars or rather sustainable mobility? Both!

Bikes and scooters favored in free-floating services

Without public transportation options, not all users have access to cars for their daily commute. To find an alternative in large cities, free-floating services proved particularly popular, whether electric scooters or bikes. The American operator Lime, present in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Le Havre, experienced great success on January 19. According to them, rentals skyrocketed by 82% compared to a normal day, and new registrations reportedly tripled.

“During transport strikes and as the usage of our services reaches record levels, we are pleased to see the modal shift, as it contributes even more to reducing dependence on individual cars,” explains Lime France’s CEO, Hadi Karam.

Car-sharing and car rentals see a sharp increase

For those who cannot rent a bike or scooter, or are far from their workplace, cars remain the most convenient option during this strike period. Carpooling is becoming essential, especially with BlaBlaCar, which was already communicating before January 19: “We expect strong engagement from our community to support each other,” said Adrien Tahon, BlaBlaCar France Director. The exact figures after the day are unknown. However, the competitor Klaxit reported a +20% increase in carpooling compared to a typical Thursday.

For those who want space and the drive, car rental companies also responded. All experienced increased activity, including Getaround with 20% more than a normal Thursday.

Also read: Study: Paris, the capital of car-sharing?