The Lyon Metropolitan Authority and the Porte de l’Isère Urban Community (CAPI) selected Ecov to design and operate the first high-frequency, reservation-free carpool lines (CoHNS – High Level of Service Carpooling) between Bourgoin-Jallieu and Lyon along the A43 motorway.
The Lyon Metropolitan Authority and the Porte de l’Isère Urban Community sought to provide an innovative and sustainable mobility solution for employees commuting daily to business parks on the outskirts of Lyon, while helping reduce congestion on the A43 motorway during peak hours.
Launched in 2018, the Lane High Level of Service Carpooling network enables people to carpool with the same ease and convenience as using a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The service is free, easy to use, and offers an attractive alternative to driving alone.
Passengers simply go to the nearest carpool stop and indicate their destination using the mobile app, an SMS request, or the telephone assistance service.
The request is instantly displayed: on the dynamic roadside signs located before the stop; in the mobile application used by registered drivers. The first available driver accepts the request, picks up the passenger, and drops them off at their destination stop. To ensure reliability, a Departure Guarantee provides a ride-hailing vehicle whenever no driver is available.
Lane in 2023:
With an average passenger waiting time of less than four minutes, Lane delivers a tram-quality level of service and is expected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years.
Since its launch in 2018, Lane has experienced continuous growth, driven by a significant modal shift from solo driving to carpooling:
* *Based on an internal survey conducted in 2022 (135 respondents).
The service also has a significant impact on mobility choices. According to a 2022 Ecov survey, 21% of passengers had already sold or decided not to purchase a car thanks to the service, while another 21% were considering doing so—meaning that 42% of passengers had either reduced or planned to reduce their car ownership.*
Lane therefore strengthens the regional rail and coach network by providing additional stops and higher service frequency, encouraging motorists to leave their cars at home.
*Based on an internal survey conducted in 2022 (22 passenger respondents).
In 2023, the Lane contract was renewed for three additional years by the Porte de l’Isère Urban Community (CAPI) and the Lyon Metropolitan Authority. Ecov was awarded the contract to continue operating the existing lines, while enabling the deployment of additional stops across the network.
Drivers participating in the service receive €2 for every passenger they carry. On average, drivers earn €16 per month, while 11% receive more than €40 each month.
Passengers save an average of €140 per month thanks to the service. One passenger who sold her car estimates her monthly savings at €400.
> Passenger or driver?
“I’m currently a passenger, but I used to be a driver.”
> Maryse, Lane user
Lane in one word?
“Simplicity. There’s no hassle and no need to arrange a meeting point. You just go to the stop, launch the app, wait five minutes, and someone picks you up.”
> Frédéric, Lane user
Lane: the carpooling solution that reduces commuting costs between Bourgoin-Jallieu and Lyon
> M6 Capital TV report – March 2022
Elodie chose Lane for her daily commute.
“We’ve successfully encouraged many drivers to start using the service as passengers as well. That clearly demonstrates the confidence users have in the service.”
> Béatrice Perroud, Head of Mobility, Porte de l’Isère Urban Community (CAPI)
“By renewing the Lane contract with Ecov, CAPI, in partnership with the Lyon Metropolitan Authority, is continuing to develop an innovative, reliable and environmentally friendly mobility solution. It is a real success for the territory, providing residents with another transport option so that everyone can choose the mobility solution that best meets their needs.”
