car sharing Archives

Agilauto Partage and OpenFleet: a partnership to accelerate company car-sharing

September 19, 2024/in car sharing

credit image: Agilauto Partage

The corporate car-sharing market is booming, driven by the imperatives of sustainable development and the quest to optimize fleet management costs. Against this backdrop, the partnership between Agilauto Partage and OpenFleet announced on September 16, 2024 represents a major boost for this sector in France. By joining forces, the two companies aim to equip up to 10,000 vehicles by 2026.

Carsharing as an ecological alternative: a functional solution

June 10, 2024/in car sharing

In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of transport, car-sharing is emerging as a viable, environmentally-friendly solution. This article provides an overview of this alternative, from how it works to its benefits.

Carsharing and public transport: an alliance for sustainable mobility

May 27, 2024/in car sharing, sustainable mobility

Car-sharing and public transport are inextricably linked. Together, they are meeting the challenges of sustainable mobility. This article explores the links between these two travel modes, integrating offers, multimodal stations, integrated pricing, awareness campaigns and public-private partnerships. The subject of synergies between carsharing and public transport was one of the topics covered in the round table discussions at France’s National Carsharing Day on March 26, 2024. The initiatives launched by the Metropole of Lyon, which we will mention several times in this article, are a concrete example of these synergies.

Integration of Mobility Offers

Efficiently integrating mobility offers, such as car-sharing and public transport, is a key lever for improving the urban mobility experience and achieving an effective MaaS model. The aim is to create an ecosystem where switching from one mode of transport to another is as simple and seamless as possible,
while reducing individual car use
.

A recent concrete example set up by the Metropole of Lyon: The “
Découvertes mobilités”
program, launched in March 2024 in the 58 communes of the Lyon Metropolitan Area.

For 3 months, the public is invited to try out four alternatives to individual car use: public transport, car-sharing, car-pooling and self-service bicycle hire. The aim is to introduce these fast-growing mobility solutions to those who are still unfamiliar with them. For example, car-sharing and car-pooling are often confused, even though they meet different needs.

Advantages of this approach

Easy access: An ‘à la carte’ mobility program available for 3 months.
Extended options : Encourages the use of alternative modes of transport to the private car.
Coherence : An integrated transport network contributes to better mobility and more sustainable cities.

Multimodal Transfer Stations

Multimodal transfer stations represent a central pillar in the creation of synergies between carsharing and public transport. Designed to facilitate the transition between different modes of transport, these stations transform the urban mobility experience, making it more fluid and integrated.

In Strasbourg, for example, there is
the “Parkings Relais” network
which combines parking and direct access to public transport. Users can park the shared car and immediately take the streetcar to the heart of the city, optimizing their time and reducing the use of individual vehicles.

The cities of Paris and Montreal have set up
Communauto
car-sharing stations close to public transport stations, encouraging seamless transfer between different modes of transport.

There are other interesting and fairly advanced examples: in the Munich region of Germany, thanks to the

Smarter Together project,
hhree multimodal e-mobility stations have been built, connecting different individual mobility offers: rental and electric bicycles, shared electric cars (STATTAUTO) and electric vehicle charging stations.

Advantages of Multimodal Transfer Stations :

Intermodality: Allows users to move effortlessly from one mode of transport to another, always reducing the use of a private car.
Accessibility : Positioned at key locations for better coverage of the territory.
Savings : Reduce the costs associated with owning a private car, thanks to complementary services.
Sustainability: Encourages sustainable mobility by limiting the carbon footprint of urban travel.

The success of this type of service relies heavily on collaboration between public and private players to ensure the availability of resources and coordinated implementation. By adopting this integrated approach, the vision of more sustainable, interconnected mobility becomes a reality.

Integrated pricing

Integrated pricing is an important factor in developing synergies between carsharing and public transport. This involves offering advantageous fare formulas when users combine these two modes of transport.

A case in point is the Navigo pass in Paris. This system allows unlimited use of the public transport network (metro, bus, RER, tramway), plus access to car-sharing services(with a regional Autopartage label), through a single subscription. As a result, users can easily switch from one mode of transport to another, optimizing their mobility while benefiting from a significant fare reduction.

The offer
Mobility Discovery
set up in the 58 communes of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, enables the public to try out four alternatives to the private car over a 3-month period: public transport, car-sharing, car-pooling and self-service bicycles. Subscribing to the offer enables users to benefit from pre-defined rates with each of the partner operators – from TCL (Lyon’s public transport system) to Citiz (car-sharing fleet) to FreeVelo’v.

Unified pricing encourages sustainable mobility by reducing the use of private cars and facilitating access to more environmentally-friendly forms of mobility.

Awareness campaigns

To encourage the simultaneous use of carsharing and public transport, communication and education are very important. Awareness campaigns should aim to educate users about the multiple benefits of such an approach. Public awareness of the environmental, social and other impacts of transport and individual car use seems to have evolved in recent years. It’s important to keep up these efforts. Here are a few elements that can be highlighted: :

Savings Savings: Highlight the reduction in personal transport-related expenses, such as vehicle purchase, insurance, maintenance and fuel.

Environmental benefits Explain the positive impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and urban pollution.

Ease of use To illustrate how easy it is to combine car-sharing and public transport, thanks to integrated ticketing systems and user-friendly mobile applications.

Authorities and operators can organize workshops, distribute brochures or launch digital campaigns. Practical demonstrations or discovery days can be organized to familiarize citizens with these services.

The key to these campaigns is to offer a clear and attractive image of the possible synergies between carsharing and public transport to promote sustainable urban mobility accessible to all.

Digital applications and platforms that provide access to a network of different mobility solutions play a crucial role in promoting integration between different modes of public transport. In fact, they can consolidate information on the different modes of transport available in a given region, enabling users to plan their journeys more efficiently by having access to all available options, including timetables, fares and routes.

Communauto and Transit App are among the first mobile applications to combine public transport and car-sharing on a single digital platform.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of synergies between carsharing and public transport represents a key challenge for the advent of sustainable and efficient urban mobility. This combination reduces dependence on the private car while facilitating mobility in congested and polluted urban areas. Car-sharing services complement existing transport networks, helping to diversify modes of transport and improve the quality of life in urban areas.

It is essential that public and private players work together to integrate these forms of mobility into a coherent mobility policy, focusing on the provision of a fleet of adapted vehicles and the establishment of efficient connection platforms. The aim is to create a flexible and accessible mobility service, promoting better mobility for all and sustainable development for our cities. The new challenges of urban mobility call for new mobilities – an approach that is not only desirable but necessary for the future of our urban environments.

Openfleet is proud to contribute to the evolution of more sustainable and efficient transport solutions. By providing cutting-edge car-sharing technology corporate and public fleets, we are contributing to a future where mobility is more accessible, flexible and environmentally friendly. Together, in collaboration with public and private players, we can shape a more pleasant, fluid and sustainable urban landscape for generations to come.

Unleash corporate mobility: inter-company car-sharing

April 22, 2024/in car sharing

Company car-sharing
is an important step forward in the direction of professional
business mobility
and greener mobility. Thanks to the
car-sharing technology
car-sharing technology, it is possible to go a step further and offer companies the possibility of sharing their fleet of vehicles with other organizations.

This fleet pooling strategy pushes back the limits of conventional car-sharing solutions, enabling a diverse range of companies, from SMEs to major corporations, to provide their employees with a fleet of shared vehicles that can be reserved on demand. In this article, we’ll look at the whys and wherefores of this approach.

4 best practices for a successful company car-sharing scheme

February 6, 2024/in car sharing

Car-sharing, not to be confused with car-pooling, is an innovative and sustainable approach to vehicle use that can be extremely beneficial to companies. This encourages better use of resources, reduces costs and supports the company’s sustainability initiatives. However, the success of a car-sharing system depends heavily on the efficiency of its initial set-up.

To this end, it’s crucial to establish an effective car-sharing policy from the outset, ensuring that it meets the company’s needs and encourages user adoption. This article will explore 4 best practices for setting up a successful car-sharing system in your company.

What is a car-sharing box?

January 26, 2024/in car sharing

In this article we’ll take a simple look at a car-sharing box, the on-board telematics device that lies at the heart of car-sharing technology and makes it possible.

The car-sharing box: cutting-edge technology

The car-sharing box is an on-board electronic telematics device installed inside the vehicle and connected to external platforms and applications.

This intelligent equipment enables the monitoring and management of various elements that are important for the shared use of a car within a corporate or public fleet, its correct maintenance, short-term rental and emergency management.

Car-sharing box features

Here is a list of these elements:

Vehicle GPS position: The box can be used to check the vehicle’s position at the start and end of shared use.
Rental duration: It records the duration of each rental, enabling users to be invoiced precisely according to time spent.
Calculating rental mileage: Thanks to this device, it is possible to accurately measure the distance covered by each user, which is useful for pricing purposes.
Odometer reading: The box also records odometer readings, enabling you to monitor vehicle wear and tear and plan maintenance.
Driver authentication: Ensures secure authentication of drivers authorized to use the vehicle.
Key sensor: Detects the presence of keys inside the vehicle, preventing potential loss.
Door locking/unlocking: The box can control remote locking and unlocking of the vehicle’s doors.
Immobilizer control: It can also prevent the vehicle from starting in the event of unauthorized use.
Door status: Monitors door status, which can be useful for safety and maintenance purposes.
User notifications/alerts: The box can generate alerts in the event of unusual events, such as intrusions or technical problems.
Fuel level: Measures fuel level, enabling you to plan refuelling requirements.
Electric vehicle (EV) battery state of charge: for electric vehicles, the box monitors the battery’s state of charge.
Electric vehicle range (EV): Provides information on the remaining range of electric vehicles.
Bluetooth Low Energy: This technology can be used for functions such as vehicle unlocking via a mobile application.

Other applications for the car-sharing box

The car-sharing box’s main application is in car-sharing, where it enables efficient management of a fleet of shared vehicles.

However, it also has applications in other fields, including :

Vehicle driving tests: Used in driving assessments and vehicle performance tests.
Fleet management: Companies use these devices to track and manage their vehicle fleets more efficiently.
Remote diagnostics: The box enables remote detection of mechanical problems, which can reduce vehicle downtime.
Connected insurance: It is used to evaluate the driving behavior of policyholders, which can influence insurance premiums.
Predictive maintenance: By monitoring the condition of vehicles, it contributes to preventive maintenance planning.

Key features of the car-sharing box

In short, the car-sharing box offers a panoply of essential functions for car-sharing services and many other applications.

Key features include :

24/7 keyless access: Allows authorized users to access vehicles without the need for physical keys.
Vehicle immobilization system: In the event of a problem or unauthorized use, the box can immobilize the vehicle for safety reasons.
Mechanical/service alerts: It can generate alerts in the event of mechanical problems or maintenance requirements.
Electric vehicle (EV) charge status, fuel level: It monitors these important parameters to ensure worry-free vehicle operation.

What are the functionalities of a car-sharing box?

December 20, 2023/in car sharing

OpenFleet stands out as a leading provider of car-sharing technologies for businesses and local authorities. Our expertise extends to various types of vehicle, including combustion, hybrid and electric. Users can easily access vehicles using our on-board technology, either with a personal badge or via the OpenFleet mobile application.

In this document, we’ll be paying particular attention to the car-sharing box that makes professional car-sharing possible, an essential tool that facilitates access to this service, which is expanding rapidly for both economic and ecological reasons.

How car-sharing boxes work and why they’re useful

In the first section, we’ll look at how these devices work, and why it’s a good idea to integrate them into your corporate or private fleet.

Key technology for car-sharing units

OpenFleet incorporates advanced technology into its car-sharing boxes, offering a simplified and secure user experience. The box, linked to a mobile application, has two main functions: on the one hand, it enables keyless opening and closing of the vehicle, increasing convenience and efficiency for users. It also transmits data in real time, enabling the vehicle to be located, tracked and invoiced efficiently.

Easy to use and time-saving

Thanks to car-sharing boxes, employees can access company vehicles quickly and easily. In a car rental business, this technology eliminates the need for queues to collect keys, eliminates the need for a management infrastructure, and offers greater flexibility to access vehicles outside opening hours.

Efficient resource management

Car-sharing boxes, linked to car-sharing software, can optionally track vehicle use in real time. This promotes more efficient and economical management of company resources, avoiding vehicle downtime and enabling optimum allocation according to need.

Contribution to the environment

By making it possible to car-share a corporate fleet, car-sharing box technology such as OpenFleet’s helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thus easing congestion and reducing the carbon footprint. By opting for our car-sharing solutions, your company is committed to an environmentally-friendly approach.

Strategic benefits of a car-sharing box

Now let’s move on to the benefits of the box for direct users, as well as for corporate and local authority fleet managers.

For users

A car equipped with car-sharing technology is accessible to users at any time, without the need for physical keys. Users don’t have to comply with the opening hours of a rental office or service, or wait to collect their keys. They save precious time and can organize their schedule as they see fit.

For fleet managers

The car-sharing box installed in a vehicle is linked to a management platform dedicated to fleet managers. The box transmits real-time data on vehicle availability for rental, position, fuel level, maintenance requirements, etc. Thanks to this on-board telematics device, fleet managers can simplify fleet management while reducing costs and optimizing resource allocation according to needs. What’s more, by adopting our car-sharing boxes, a company contributes to improving its ecological footprint.

Integrating car-sharing systems into the corporate fleet

Integrating carsharing units into a company fleet is a simple and efficient process. Installation takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours per vehicle. It is carried out by a professional.

Once the boxes have been installed, the selected carsharing partner helps with parameterization and customization according to the company’s specific needs.A strong carsharing partner such as OpenFleet ensures, among other things, data security and the protection of all company information throughout the process.

Future prospects: evolution of professional car-sharing systems

In the future, professional car-sharing boxes will become smarter and AI-driven, able to provide predictive analytics for better fleet management.

At OpenFleet, our aim is to advance carsharing technology to meet the changing demands of business.

To find out more about our solutions or to discover our system up close, don’t hesitate to contact OpenFleet. We’re ready to help you achieve the digital transformation of your fleet.

What’s the difference between carpooling and carsharing?

November 30, 2023/in car sharing

When we read articles or content about new forms of soft mobility, we often come across the terms ‘carpooling’ and ‘carsharing‘. These terms are often mixed up or confused with one another. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between the two concepts.

The beginnings of carpooling

Carpooling, as the name suggests, involves sharing a vehicle for a common journey.
It’s a time-honored practice that doesn’t in itself require any additional technology. Two colleagues, for example, can agree to drive to work together, using a single car. However, car-sharing took off with the arrival of online platforms in the early 2000s.

Impact on the environment and the economy

By sharing a car, carpoolers reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn reduces CO2 emissions and traffic congestion.
A 2017 study estimated that carpooling could reduce CO2 emissions by at least 1.6 million tonnes a year in Europe.

What is carsharing?

Car-sharing is a shared car rental system that allows users to borrow a car for a short period, often by the hour. Rental costs generally include gas, insurance and vehicle maintenance.

It’s a flexible mobility option that meets the needs of people who don’t need a car on a regular basis, but may need one occasionally for specific tasks.

Car-sharing requires an additional technological solution that enables access to a vehicle without the need for a physical key.
Carsharing is an increasingly popular option for companies, administrations and mobility specialists who have a fleet of vehicles and want to optimize their use in a more efficient and environmentally-friendly way.

How does carsharing work?

Carsharing is simple and straightforward. Users sign up for a service, reserve a car online or via a mobile app, and collect the car from a designated location. They can open car doors without the need for physical keys, thanks to a telematics application. The physical keys are located in a dedicated box inside the vehicle.

The user can then use the car for the duration of the reservation and return it to the designated location when finished.

The benefits of carsharing

Car-sharing has many advantages. These are particularly relevant to companies, local authorities and organizations that offer this mode of operation to their teams.

What’s more, every car-sharing scheme helps to reduce congestion and carbon footprint, as a single vehicle is used by several people.
According to a 2010 study, each shared car replaces around 15 cars in the same fleet. What’s more, carsharing encourages the sustainable urban lifestyles needed for the ecological transformation we’re implementing around us every year.

What are the differences between carsharing and carpooling?

Car-sharing and car-pooling are two distinct concepts, although they both aim to optimize the use of cars.

Car-sharing, as explained above, is a form of car rental where users borrow a car for a set period of time.
Carpooling, on the other hand, involves sharing a car journey with other people heading in the same direction, often to share fuel and toll costs.

For private customers

For individuals, carpooling is a common option for daily commutes, such as to work or school. Car-sharing, on the other hand, is better suited to occasional trips or specific tasks requiring a car.

For professionals

In business terms, carsharing can be a cost-effective solution for companies or any entity with a fleet, enabling them to reduce the number of company cars while offering flexibility to their employees. Business carpooling, on the other hand, can foster social ties between employees while contributing to the company’s environmental responsibility.

In short, although car-sharing and car-pooling are both focused on the efficient use of cars, they differ in the way they are implemented and used, for both private individuals and businesses.

What are the similarities between carsharing and carpooling?

Car-sharing and car-pooling share a common goal: to reduce dependence on car ownership. They promote more efficient use of these vehicles by minimizing the number of cars on the road, thus reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. Both are also based on the sharing economy, emphasizing accessibility rather than possession. Finally, they both use digital platforms to facilitate intermediation between users, making the car-sharing process simpler and more convenient.

Eight benefits of carsharing for businesses

October 25, 2023/in car sharing

Car-sharing for businesses is a growing trend that offers many advantages for managers and employees alike. In this article, we’ll explore these benefits and explain why carsharing is an excellent option for any company in terms of sustainability, administrative management, vehicle accessibility, sustainable employee mobility, reduced congestion and parking problems, image enhancement and much more.
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