Simplified carpool lines operated by Ecov
Objective: connect territories!
For everyday trips in peri-urban and rural areas, Ecov offers simple, inclusive carpool lines accessible to everyone.
The challenge
In peri-urban and rural areas, 80% of daily trips are made by private cars, with an average occupancy rate of 1.3 people per vehicle. The Carpooling and Public Policy study highlights that this reliance is largely due to public transport services that do not meet residents’ needs (insufficient frequency, unsuitable schedules, limited funding, etc.).As a result, the lack of alternatives to private car use leads to: territorial isolation, and mobility poverty for people without access to a vehicle.
The Ecov solution
For everyday journeys—such as commuting to activities or connecting to transport hubs (train stations or bus stops)—Ecov deploys simple, inclusive, and solidarity-based carpool lines.
Following a mobility study to identify the most frequently used corridors, Ecov implements carpool lines similar to conventional bus routes, with: an origin, a destination and clearly identified physical stops integrated into the road network.
How it works?
- The passenger goes to the nearest stop;
- They indicate their destination using a push-button panel;
- Their destination is displayed on a dynamic roadside sign at and before the stop;
- Drivers passing by are alerted;
- The first willing driver picks up the passenger.
No cost-sharing: the journey is solidarity-based.
This solution is particularly simple and fast to deploy, making it well suited to enhancing the attractiveness of mountain and low-density territories.
Carpool line implemented in the Grenoble metropolitan area and the Vercors Regional Natural Park
How does a simplified carpool line work?
We tested it for you…Simplified carpooling
> Independent report by Benoît Almeras (2019)
“It’s clearer like this, because when you see the sign, you see the destination, so you don’t stop for nothing.”
> Monique, service user
Discover our success stories
Explore our mobility projects developed hand in hand with public authorities
- Simplified carpool lines
Simplified carpool lines The Municipality of Courchevel selected Ecov to deploy and operate a network of instant carpool lines across
Simplified carpool lines The Municipality of Courchevel selected Ecov to deploy and operate a network of instant carpool lines across