Shared Vehicle Journey
In the Heidekreis district, carpooling has emerged as a viable alternative for commuting, addressing issues such as traffic congestion, high costs, parking difficulties, and CO2 emissions. The digital carpooling service, developed by KAIROS Solutions GmbH, aims to alleviate the burden on professionals commuting to Hamburg and other metropolises like Hannover.
The commuter portal, recommended by the Landkreis Heidekreis and large providers like Mitfahrzentrale and BlaBlaCar, has been available since 2006. It was commissioned by the counties of Harburg, Luchow, Celle, and Lüneburg to cater to the needs of commuters. The service is self-sustaining through companies, and interested parties can provide their own offers.
The average occupancy rate for cars in the commuter portal is 1.3 persons per car, indicating a significant reduction in the number of solo drivers on the roads. The most in-demand routes are to the metropolises of Hamburg and Hannover, making it easier for commuters to find suitable rides. Reporting a demand for carpooling is free for commuters.
Frank Dalock, the managing director, emphasizes the importance of planning when using the ride-sharing service. Working professionals and those with regular appointments due to volunteering or sports clubs are the largest target groups for the carpooling service. However, rural areas and specific routes, like visiting relatives or occasional shopping trips, are more challenging to organize through the carpooling service.
Acquiring the license for the carpooling service requires an investment of 2,000 euros, with up to 10,000 euros potentially required depending on the county's needs. The Landkreis Heidekreis is not an official customer of the commuter portal, despite having a high commuter density.
The newsletter from the Heidekreis presents carefully selected weekly articles, organized and free of information overload, and is available for free subscription without commitment. Many counties and cities, including Rostock, have since followed suit and implemented their own commuter portals.
For the citizens of Soltau (13,463), Walsrode (14,486), and Schneverdingen (8,456) alone, there are 36,405 commuters who could potentially benefit from the carpooling service. The service offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the challenges of commuting in the Heidekreis region, where reliable public transportation (ÖPNV) by train and bus is lacking.
In conclusion, the carpooling service in the Heidekreis region provides a practical solution to the issues faced by commuters, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to driving alone. With its easy-to-use platform and growing popularity, it is a service worth considering for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on commuting costs.
