The share of employees who prefer the mobility budget over a company car continues to increase. According to HR service provider SD Worx, in the private sector, 7% of employees with a company car currently opt for the mobility budget.

In Brussels, 16.2% (13.5% in 2024) of employees with a company car opt for a mobility budget; in Flanders, this figure rose to 5.5% (3.7% in 2024), and in Wallonia to 4.2% (2.5% in 2024). The figures have increased everywhere compared to the previous year.

Although Flemish employers are numerically in the majority (55%), Brussels employers are relatively the most likely to implement the mobility budget. 6.8% of employers in Brussels now offer it. That’s three times as many as in Flanders or Wallonia (both 2.2%).

What’s also striking is that fewer and fewer Brussels residents are driving their children to school. Since 2022, the number of car journeys in the city has been decreasing, especially in school areas, while the number of active journeys and public transport use are increasing. According to the latest figures from Brussels Mobility, there are many more trips by foot or bicycle around 83% of schools. 

What is a ‘mobility budget’?

Employees who are entitled to a company car can choose a mobility budget to fund ‘greener’ alternatives, such as a smaller car, a bicycle, a train pass, or even a home rental. The mobility budget is calculated based on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the company car to which an employee is entitled.

“The mobility budget has always been the most popular among young city dwellers. […] The more employers offer it voluntarily, the wider the adoption will be,” says Maarten De Boeck, specialist in the federal mobility budget at SD Worx.

Employee is free to participate

Today, the mobility budget is still offered voluntarily by employers, but from 2027 it will be mandatory in some cases. As of 1 January 2027, all companies with more than fifty employees must offer a mobility budget if they also provide company cars.

Small businesses (15-50 employees) won’t be required to implement it until 2028. Of all companies required to offer a mobility budget starting next year, only 1 in 10 currently does so. The employee decides for himself whether to participate.

However, there is still considerable uncertainty or reluctance about this upcoming obligation. For some companies, the rules are unclear, while others are firmly against mandatory implementation. Smaller businesses are mainly concerned about the administrative burdens.