Dutch car-sharing platforms join forces in coalition

Today, the Dutch Coalition of Car-sharing Providers (Coalitie van Deelauto-aanbieders, CvD), launches its collaboration. The five coalition members – GreenMobility, MyWheels, Share Now, Sixt share, and SnappCar – want to promote car sharing and stimulate conversation between the sector, civil servants, politicians, and experts. According to CvD, car sharing is a practical, affordable, and more environmentally friendly alternative to the private car.

The coalition represents a large part of the shared car sector in the Netherlands and collaborates with well-known parties MobiGo, OnzeAuto, and WeDriveSolar. As partners of CvD, they’re involved in developing the website www.coalitie-autodelen.nl, a central information platform for people interested in car sharing, civil servants, politicians, consults, and journalists active in mobility. Both nationally and regionally.

Win-win on all levels

The Netherlands has 8,9 million registered private cars, and the fleet is still growing. Still, 96% is standing still most of the time. Several studies have shown that one shared car can replace between three and eleven private vehicles. So, by sharing cars, the fleet is used more effectively, more open space becomes available in the city, and CO2 emissions are reduced. A win-win on all levels.

People sharing cars make a conscious choice of the transport modes they use for each trip and cover fewer miles. Studies have shown that car sharing leads to a 20% decrease in kilometers driven.

Positive effects

If people know what they pay per trip, they will make fewer unnecessary trips and, more often, choose other means of transport such as bicycles or public transport. The positive environmental effects of switching from car ownership to car sharing result in a saving of 265 kg less CO2 emissions per year per person.

Cities should provide enough space for cyclists and pedestrians, offer affordable and high-quality public transport, and facilitate the supply of shared mobility. Only a diverse total offering will reduce the number of cars, trips on fossil fuels, and CO2 emissions. Air quality will improve, as will liveability in the city.

Belgium

What about neighboring countries? In Belgium, for instance, car sharing is becoming increasingly popular. In 2022, the number of active car-sharing users in Belgium rose by 40% to 121 394, a record number. Especially the free-floating car-sharing system did well last year, with 78% more users.