Carpooling Initiative in Lomagne Saves Users an Average of €137 Monthly and Cuts Over 10,700 Tons of CO₂ Emissions

Since its launch in 2023, the carpooling initiative in Lomagne, facilitated by the Karos platform, has made a notable economic and environmental impact. According to La Dépêche, the project has completed 7,198 trips, successfully avoiding more than 10,700 tons of CO₂ emissions. The program has attracted 443 registered users, with 146 actively carpooling, 91% of whom are connected to partner employers, primarily small businesses (TPE and PME) in the region.

Users travel mainly distances between 20 and 30 kilometers, resulting in an average monthly saving of €137 per user. Nearly two-thirds of active participants carpool more than five times a month, underscoring robust engagement. The initiative emphasizes three pillars: collaboration with local businesses, a free digital platform fostering community, and financial incentives from the Occitanie region to encourage participation.

The project, extended until 2027, also plans to pilot event carpooling at local festivals, partnering with tourism offices and event organizers to boost accessibility and economic activity. This strategy aligns with broader regional development plans linked to the forthcoming high-speed rail line (LGV) near Agen, expected to increase demographic growth and tourism appeal in Lomagne.

Alain Scudellaro remarked during a recent community council meeting on the importance of carpooling as a key mobility solution, supported by the Occitanie regional delegation responsible for local implementation and organization of the service. This initiative represents a promising model for sustainable mobility and local economic enhancement in rural France.