#Paris #France #sustainable mobility #Car-sharing #Citiz

Celebrating Mobility through Car-Sharing Initiatives

In recognition of the European Mobility Week set for September 16-22, 2026, Citiz, a leading cooperative car-sharing network in France, has unveiled its impactful statistics that highlight the significance of car-sharing in urban and rural settings. With over 130,000 users, Citiz not only enhances user mobility but also contributes positively to local communities.

A Look at the Numbers

The recent national survey on car-sharing conducted by ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) unveiled the tangible effects of car-sharing services on public transport usage and urban space management. According to Jean-François Virot-Daub, the spokesperson for Citiz, "Today, Citiz vehicles are part of the daily landscape for more than 10 million French citizens. Present in over 280 municipalities across the country, Citiz caters to both large metropolitan areas and mid-sized towns, with half of the involved municipalities hosting populations under 20,000."

With 2,800 cars available on the public streets, Citiz car-sharing has the potential to eliminate around 20,000 personal vehicles from the roads—the equivalent of all cars in a city like Saint-Malo. Car-sharing allows each shared vehicle to replace up to seven privately owned cars. Furthermore, it frees up an area equivalent to more than 3,300 café terraces, which could be repurposed for public areas, cycling infrastructure, pedestrian pathways, or even green spaces. Each shared car can also alleviate up to 1.9 parking spots on the street.

In terms of sustainability, Citiz emphasizes that its users collectively save over 134 million kilometers annually, translating to a reduction of 26,000 tons of CO₂ emissions—comparable to approximately 13,000 round trips from Paris to New York by plane. Interestingly, each vehicle shared mitigates up to 48,000 kilometers in annual travel, as users optimize their journeys and seek alternative modes of transport.

Changing Mobility Habits

The shift in how users approach daily commuting is noteworthy. Users of car-sharing services show a marked preference for sustainable transportation methods. Compared to the national average, Citiz users exhibit:

• - Cycling rates ten times higher than the average French citizen.
• - Walking three times more than average.
• - Usage of public transport twice the national rate.

Financial Benefits for Users

According to ADEME, reducing car travel significantly helps Citiz members save up to €1,000 annually by only paying for what they use. Furthermore, over 36,000 Citiz users have said goodbye to at least one personal vehicle, leading to substantial savings—especially as the average cost of owning a new car hovers around €6,000 each year.

Marie, a satisfied Citiz user from Metz, shares, "Living in the city center, I always find a car available. Whether it’s a compact car for short trips, a sedan for weekends, or even a utility vehicle when necessary, I only pay for what I use. I avoid the need for car ownership, maintenance, parking headaches, or garage rentals. It’s a significant saving and brings me freedom!"

Engaging Public Events

To mark the European Mobility Week, Citiz is hosting various local events to educate the public on car-sharing benefits. Activities will include presentations in cities such as Angers, a mobility celebration in Nancy, inaugurations in Saint-Avold, and an open house in Toulouse. These gatherings provide community members an opportunity to engage with local teams, learn about car-sharing, and experience sustainable mobility firsthand.

For more information on these events, residents are encouraged to visit www.citiz.coop.

About Citiz

As the premier cooperative car-sharing network in France, Citiz has been fostering flexible, eco-friendly, and economical mobility solutions for over two decades. With its presence in over 280 municipalities and 130 train stations, it operates nearly 2,800 vehicles available 24/7 for short-term use. By leveraging a mobile app or website, users can effortlessly book vehicles for various durations, with costs covering insurance and fuel. The Citiz car-sharing model stands as a viable alternative to individual car ownership, aiding in carbon footprint reduction while preserving family budgets. With more than 20 years of stable community engagement, Citiz is pivotal in advocating for sustainable mobility in conjunction with public transportation, cycling, and walking initiatives.