In the liveable city, sustainable travel takes precedence over individual car ownership. To achieve this sustainable modal shift, building blocks such as shared mobility and car sharing are crucial. But what exactly does car sharing entail? And what role will it play in the future of our cities and towns? At Antea Group Belgium, we enthusiastically participate in the Flemish Green Deal Shared Mobility & Housing and are committed to innovative mobility solutions.

Shared mobility: what is it?

Shared mobility involves multiple users sharing different forms of transport, giving users short-term access to a means of transport when they need it. This includes a wide range of options, from shared cars to shared bicycles and even shared cargo bikes.

Within car sharing, there are different systems, such as roundtrip and free-floating shared cars. Roundtrip share cars have to be returned to the same location, while free floating share cars can be left at various locations. This flexibility is what makes car sharing so attractive for various travel needs and users.

Future of car sharing

The future of car-sharing may look different in urban and rural areas. In cities, car sharing may become a full-fledged replacement for owning one's own car, thanks to proximity to functions, public transport and good cycling connections. In rural areas, car-sharing can mainly replace a second car, making it important to look at the potential of car-sharing within a broader mobility story.

What does this modal shift mean for the city of tomorrow?

Car sharing is only one part of the larger mobility story, which only becomes interesting when the car is not needed for daily travel. It is therefore important to also consider accessibility by bicycle, public transport and proximity to amenities.

The city of tomorrow will then also help accommodate new densification demands. With a more sustainable view on parking policy and individual car ownership, we will create the necessary living space on the one hand and green space for its residents on the other. Research shows that collective solutions such as car sharing lead to less car ownership. Providing shared mobility within or around residential developments therefore offers opportunities for sustainable mobility. By paying attention to this already in the design phase, both policymakers and future residents can consciously choose a project that deploys shared mobility.

With the launch of the Green Deal Shared Mobility & Housing, Antea Group Belgium sees an opportunity to further research the role of shared mobility within housing projects and its impact on mobility and sustainability. Together with partners and stakeholders, we aim for a future-proof mobility strategy that makes our cities more liveable and sustainable.