Carpooling: What are the announcements of the 2023 national plan?

To combat climate change and improve the purchasing power of the French by reducing their travel expenses, the Government has announced its 2023 measures to boost carpooling.

Every day, around 100 million trips are made between home and work in France, and the majority of these trips are made with only one person per car. At the same time, only 900,000 daily trips are dedicated to carpooling. A figure that the Macron Government aims to triple by the end of its term in 2027.

If 3 million daily trips are reached, the study estimates a reduction of 4.5 million tons of CO2 annually in pollutant emissions. That’s 1% of France’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. On average, a carpooling trip would prevent approximately 6 kg of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

There are still many barriers to carpooling in France, and the goal is to remove them. Especially considering that 15% of greenhouse gas emissions come from cars. And to better persuade their audience, financial incentives are always the most effective.

Backed by figures, the Ministry of Ecology’s report estimates that an employee living 30 kilometers from their workplace (a 60 km round trip daily) who carpools could save up to 2000 euros per year in shared costs.

What actions is the Government implementing to achieve this?

Three measures, with an annual cost of 150 million euros, are outlined:

• Since January 1, 2023, a 100-euro bonus is paid to first-time drivers to “give a boost to the practice.” This amount will be reimbursed by carpooling platforms, in the form of a gradual payment: an initial amount at the first carpool (minimum €25) and the rest at the 10th carpool, within 3 months of the first ride.
• €1 from the State for every €1 from local authorities: each carpooler will be supported by both the State and local governments in their daily trips. This is an additional funding to those already offering financial incentives to carpoolers. Once again, taxpayers will foot the bill, similar to ecological bonuses for purchasing a new electric vehicle.
• €50 million to facilitate trips wherever possible by creating carpool lanes and dedicated routes for carpooling on roads. This issue is also controversial in Paris… Currently, around forty routes already exist in France.

NUMBER: 337,000 people carpooled as drivers or passengers through a carpooling operator in 2022

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