Rural mobility

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of the study was to investigate how a business model for establishing a carpool (bilpool) in smaller urban areas might look like, using the village Dals Långed as a case study.

The conclusion is that carpools with only private individuals as users are probably not viable in smaller towns thus getting organizations / companies as users is crucial. It is also important that the design of the car pool is adapted to the local context regarding infrastructure, vehicle type and price range and that the carpool supplier bases their establishment on local engagement and businesses.

Expected results and effects:

The results show that it is possible to establish a carpool in Dals Långed, if the organizations, associations, and private individuals who have shown interest in the study join the pool. In the study the primary need of the studied individuals is access to another type of car (e.g., van or minibus) and finding an alternative for the 2nd car. Hence, the pool needs to be designed differently than an urban pool where it is usually the first car that is replaced.

The results from the project are taken on by local car rental and civil society organizations. Approach and implementation:

Within the project, business models and design aspects of existing carpools have been mapped. The local need in Dals Långed has been investigated through surveys, workshops and interviews with companies, associations, organizations and individuals.

Cooperation between different actors on site has been established and these collaborations will continue after the project with the expectation is to test some type of carpool scheme in this, or next, year.