Monaco car share scheme – encouraging first results

On Thursday, 22nd February 2007, H.E. Bernard Fautrier, official representative for the Minister of State, gave a first review of “monacovoiturage.mc”, the car share scheme that was launched almost five months ago. So far, the figures are quite promising, although Bernard Fautrier pointed out that “Trials conducted in foreign countries have shown that two to three years are necessary to reach high car share rates”.  

Just over 400 people have signed up via the website (wwww.monacovoiturage.mc) and a total 77,000 people have logged on since it was first set up. At the same time, almost 180 motorists have subscribed to preferential rates for “car sharers” with the Department of public car parking facilities in Monaco. In total, although the majority of drivers still travel alone, the number of vehicles transporting more than one person increased by 1.6% between October 2006 and January 2007. In order to encourage people to take part in the scheme, two communication campaigns were implemented; one in October 2006 and another from 15th January to 15th February 2007, including radio ads, flyers (printed on recyclable paper!) and “eye catching” posters in the Principality and neighbouring areas. Awareness programmes have also been set up in Monegasque companies. Information regarding car sharing is also being promoted via intranet sites in some companies, including Single Buoy Moorings and the Princess Grace Hospital. So who’s next on the programme for monacovoiturage.mc? The hotel and banking sectors, as well as the Monegasque public services. A new campaign is planned for the end of the summer to ensure the scheme is brought to the attention of the public for the new academic year 2007/2008. Monacovoiturage.mc is aimed at reducing traffic in the Principality during rush hour and consequently limiting pollution. How? By putting commuters into contact with each other so that they are able to travel together. Thanks to a special website and a call centre, anybody wishing to take part in the car share scheme can find one or several “partners” for their journey to and from work. In addition to the benefits for the environment, car sharing also represents a significant financial saving estimated at 1300 euros a year per user, thanks to a special subscription rate in the Monaco public car parks for all participants, as the cost is split into 2, 3 or 4 (depending on the number of car sharers).  

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