Workshop: Co-creating the Future of Car Sharing in Wallonia
On March 18, 2025, the “Co-creating the Future of Car Sharing in Wallonia” workshop brought together 80 participants in Namur, continuing the series of “shared mobility workshops” that have been organized since 2022. This event aimed to foster dialogue between stakeholders in the car-sharing sector, explore the challenges and benefits of car sharing, and identify concrete actions for its development in Wallonia.
The day’s program began with an introduction from the Walloon Public Service (SPW AOT), which provided an overview of the regional mobility and car sharing framework. They also explained the connection to the Open Forum held in October 2023, which had highlighted key issues for the region. This set the stage for further discussions and the sharing of insights on the current state of car sharing in Wallonia.
SMAPE partner Way to Go (formerly Autodelen.net) gave a detailed presentation on the various models of car sharing available, and the different types of car-sharing systems, such as round-trip and one-way. The session also covered the environmental, economic, and social benefits of car sharing. By replacing private car ownership with shared vehicles, car sharing significantly reduces the number of cars on the road, contributing to a greener environment and lowering costs for users. In addition, Way to Go shared insights into the psychological aspects of car ownership and how car sharing can help alter societal attitudes toward mobility.
The event also highlighted successful initiatives from other regions, including Brussels’ Inclusive Green Deal, which is aimed at making mobility more sustainable and accessible for all citizens.The Brussels-Capital Region also presented statistics and uses of carsharing on its territory.
Additionally, the City of Ciney shared its experience with developing car sharing on its territory, which is relatively sparsely populated. That was very useful for other small municipalities.
A lively panel discussion followed, featuring representatives from Walloon carsharing operators: Cambio, Wibee, Mobilize, and Cozywheels. The panel addressed questions submitted by participants, covering a wide range of topics and addressing participants' concerns.
The afternoon was dedicated to group collaborative workshops, where participants identified concrete actions to implement car sharing at their level. These workshops helped define related needs and propose innovative solutions to encourage the adoption of car sharing.
The success of the workshop, which attracted 80 participants passionate about the future of shared mobility in Wallonia, clearly demonstrates the growing interest in this mode of transport. It marks an important step towards achieving the regional goal of one shared car for every 1,000 inhabitants, with a focus on major hubs. The event not only helped raise awareness about the potential of car sharing but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration among the stakeholders. It is a promising signal that Wallonia is on the right path to creating a more sustainable and shared future of mobility.