Maximising carpool engagement

Mobilityways sees carsharing as a practical response to parking pressure and emissions goals

As pressure mounts on employers to reduce car use and deliver against decarbonisation targets, workplace carpooling is attracting renewed attention.

Also known as carsharing or liftsharing, carpooling is simply the practice of giving a colleague a lift to work. It is usually pre-arranged and the sharers normally split the cost of fuel. Carpooling is different to ridesharing, which is an on-demand paid service such as a taxi; or car clubs, where a car is rented out on-demand but often driven alone. 

Often overlooked in favour of more visible or infrastructure-heavy measures, carpooling is one of the simplest ways to reduce single-occupancy vehicle journeys. For transport planners, parking managers and access officers, it also offers a highly practical solution to a familiar challenge: car park demand that consistently exceeds supply.

An a new guide called Maximise Carpool Engagement, Mobilityways provides best practice advice for maximising carpooling engagement. 

Download the guide for free

Maximise carpool engagement 

The new free Mobilityways guide offers advice on policy and communications strategies.

Reclaiming capacity

Many organisations, particularly large employers on constrained sites, are struggling to accommodate all staff vehicles. Hospital trusts, university campuses, and business parks frequently report parking as a source of staff dissatisfaction, plus a drain on time and operational efficiency.

Introducing or strengthening a workplace carpool scheme can offer a cost-effective route to relieving this pressure. By encouraging colleagues to share journeys, organisations can immediately reduce demand for spaces without building more bays or resorting to blanket restrictions.

The guide covers an NHS trust that has used this approach to make year-on-year reductions in single-occupancy car use, by linking parking eligibility to sustainable travel options. Staff without a viable sustainable alternative, and those who carpool, continue to get parking permits, but those who can use public transport or active travel are encouraged to do so through policy and incentive changes. 

A useful tool in the transport mix

While public transport, cycling and walking should remain the focus for many travel plans, they’re not always feasible for everyone. Carpooling offers a realistic alternative for those on early or late shifts, in rural areas, or with limited mobility options.

It also allows organisations to make better use of existing infrastructure. Fewer vehicles mean lower maintenance costs, fewer complaints, and more space for priority users or future developments such as electric vehicle (EV) bays.

From a planning perspective, carpooling contributes directly to reducing Scope 3 emissions and helps meet planning conditions or workplace travel plan targets. Crucially, it delivers results without requiring significant upfront investment.

Shifting travel habits

Changing how people travel to work is not straightforward. For many, the car is the default. It's flexible, familiar, and perceived as the most convenient option, even when other choices exist.

The key lies in making carpooling not just possible, but more attractive. For example, allocating dedicated parking carpool spaces in prime locations, can provide a visible and tangible reward. It also sends a message about the organisation's values, reinforcing its commitment to reducing emissions and improving site access. 

Support and reassurance

One of the main reasons people hesitate to carpool is the perceived lack of flexibility. What happens if your car share partner has to leave early, or cancels last minute? Some employers have addressed this by offering a guaranteed ride home scheme, often covering the cost of a taxi in emergencies. It's rarely used but reassures staff and helps overcome initial reluctance.

Security is another consideration. Platforms that limit carpool communities to verified employees, through email domain checks or single sign-on, give staff the confidence to get involved. 

Low-cost, high-impact incentives

Incentivising carpooling doesn’t have to mean handing out cash. In fact, many successful schemes use low-cost, creative ideas to encourage take-up. Recognising regular carpoolers in staff bulletins, running monthly prize draws for shared trips, or offering early Friday finishes for top participants are all examples that have worked in practice.

What matters is visibility and consistency. People are more likely to try carpooling if they see their peers doing it, especially if it's celebrated. 

Communications that stick

Making carpooling part of the conversation is essential. Posters in car parks and communal areas, messages on internal screens, and dedicated slots in onboarding packs all help keep the community front of mind.

It’s also worth considering seasonal or strategic campaigns. Relaunching a carpool initiative in September, when many schools and universities return, can align with changing routines. Similarly, linking carpooling to wider sustainability goals, such as net zero commitments or Clean Air Day, helps reinforce its relevance. 

More than just sharing lifts

When implemented well, carpool schemes can create unexpected benefits. Some employers have reported improved staff wellbeing and morale, with commuters enjoying regular social interaction and reduced stress from sharing the drive. The guide gives examples of colleagues who met through carpooling going on to train together for fitness challenges and organise social events.
 
Carpooling is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make a dent in parking demand and commuting emissions. For parking and travel managers looking for immediate, measurable impact - particularly where space is tight - it’s an option worth considering.
 
Download the guide for free
 
Mobilityways
Mobilityways is a social enterprise and technology company on a mission to make zero carbon commuting a reality. Founded as Liftshare in 1998, Mobilityways was launched in 2021 to support employers meet their net zero goals with its suite of climate tech tools.?? These tools enable companies to measure, reduce and report their commuter emissions, providing full visibility of commuting challenges and identifying sustainable travel alternatives for employees.

Mobilityways has worked with more than 1,000 companies to cut their commuter emissions. In the last year alone, they helped large organisations to remove more than 5,000 tonnes of CO2e from the atmosphere and took 65 million miles off the road (enough miles to circumnavigate Earth 2,600 times) by encouraging employees to car-share, take public transport or actively travel to work instead of driving alone.