Why and how should authorities promote shared mobility
August 31, 2023
min. read
Shared mobility is gaining momentum – offering prospects for reducing traffic, cleaning up city air, and providing users with more flexible transportation options. However, despite its potential, shared mobility often seems to take a backseat to traditional public transportation and private vehicles in the eyes of local authorities and infrastructure planners.
Experts see shared mobility as a game-changing revolution in transportation. It surpasses the earlier revolution of the 20th century when personal cars became widely affordable and accessible. Now, with the rise of shared mobility and environmental concerns, the old notion of "one car per person" is becoming outdated.
In light of this, authorities worldwide should proactively prepare for a future where shared mobility plays an increasingly significant role. In this blog post, we'll explore different ways authorities and legislators can encourage shared mobility – and why it's totally worth it.
The positive impact of shared mobility
Shared mobility has the potential to fix some of the problems we face with transportation today, benefiting users, cities, and the environment. Here are the key benefits of shared mobility:
- Reduced congestion: Shared mobility can alleviate traffic congestion, leading to smoother traffic flow and shorter commute times.
- Environmental sustainability: Shared mobility can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. This helps combat air pollution and mitigate the environmental impact of transportation.
- Improved transport accessibility and flexibility: Shared mobility services make transportation more accessible, especially for those without private vehicles or limited mobility options. They also offer convenient alternatives to traditional transportation methods.
Considering the urgent need to combat climate change, shared mobility holds a significant promise as a greener transportation option. The European Union's Green Deal aims to achieve a 90% reduction in transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Shared mobility – coupled with increased adoption of electric vehicles and a broader shift in transportation behaviors – will likely play an important role in achieving this goal.
However, for shared mobility to truly flourish and revolutionize transportation, it needs a supportive environment backed by legislative frameworks and infrastructure planning. So, let's take a closer look at how authorities can foster wider adoption of shared mobility.
1. Favorable regulations with an eye on the future
In the past, shared mobility solutions and business models have faced challenges in gaining acceptance from regulators. A prime example is the initial response of local authorities to Uber’s novel services at the time – ordering them to cease their operations immediately.
Shared mobility services can disrupt traditional transportation models – which may not be welcomed by everyone. However, the undeniable popularity of these services, exemplified by the rapid success of Uber, demonstrates the high customer demand.
Instead of battling against it, authorities might want to shift their focus to creating a supportive legislative framework, recognizing the significant benefits shared mobility can bring. It means regulations that prioritize safety, fair competition, consumer protection, and quality standards – creating an environment where shared mobility can thrive and provide reliable services to customers.
Shared mobility is constantly evolving, which means that regulations need to be flexible and adaptable to keep up with emerging technologies and new challenges. For example, as autonomous vehicles become a possibility, authorities will need to establish guidelines for their safe integration into existing transportation networks.
2. A collaborative approach
Collaboration between local authorities and businesses can be a decisive factor in creating a favorable environment for shared mobility. By working together, they can tackle common challenges, share data, and develop integrated transportation solutions.
Public-private partnerships can also involve incentives like tax breaks or subsidies to encourage the adoption of shared mobility. For example, offering tax breaks to companies that implement ride-sharing programs for their employees can encourage the use of shared transportation options instead of individual cars. Similarly, providing subsidies for shared mobility providers can help offset the initial costs of implementing and expanding their services.
Sharing data between shared mobility platforms and transport authorities is another way to benefit from this cooperation. The platforms have valuable information on accidents, trip patterns, and driver availability. Sharing this data with local authorities can help improve the transportation network, enhance travel apps, and identify underserved areas.
3. Building infrastructure to support the future of transportation
To meet evolving transportation needs, authorities should invest in infrastructure that supports innovative modes of transportation like electric vehicles and shared mobility services. By considering the needs of shared mobility users, infrastructure planners can make it a much more attractive transportation option.
Here are the key infrastructure needs for shared mobility:
Integration with existing infrastructure: To offer users smooth and effective transportation choices, shared mobility must seamlessly integrate with current transport systems like public transit. It should enable users to plan multi-modal journeys and switch between different modes of transport without hassle. For example, users should be able to seamlessly transition from a shared bike or scooter to a bus or train.
Charging stations: Keeping shared electric vehicles performing at their best relies on maintaining their charge. This requires establishing a network of strategically positioned charging stations throughout urban areas. If we're aiming for more people to use electric vehicles, we need to make charging them easy and accessible.
Dedicated parking: Shared mobility services need designated parking areas for their vehicles, such as bike racks and car-sharing parking spots. Well-organized parking infrastructure can reduce street clutter and make it easier for others to grab a shared mobility vehicle.
Information infrastructure support: Running shared mobility services smoothly, including handling bookings, payments, and logistics, depends greatly on a reliable information infrastructure foundation. With the advent of advanced networks like 6G, users will increasingly rely on this infrastructure to stay connected and make the most of these services.
The shared mobility landscape in France
Paris's recent ban on free-floating e-scooters has put France in the spotlight. To take a closer look at the shared mobility environment in France, we turned to Manon Lavergne, CEO of Viluso, a shared micromobility operator. We asked for her insights on the state of micromobility in the country.
Since the Mobility Orientation Law in 2019, the French government has been working to make shared transport easier to access everywhere. At COP 26 in 2021, France undertook to cut its CO2 emissions by 55%.
According to Manon, personal vehicle ownership in urban settings is losing favor among many French citizens, and Paris stands out as a shared micromobility epicenter. The city pioneered self-service shared mobility networks like Vélib' (2007), Autolib' (2011), and Cityscoot's shared electric scooters (2016).
However, in April 2023, Paris residents voted to ban free-floating e-scooters in the city. The reasons behind this decision included riders competing for space with pedestrians on sidewalks and complaints about e-scooters cluttering the pavements when parked.
Captur's case study on e-scooter parking habits in Paris revealed that the majority of users encountered no problems when parking scooters in designated bays. However, outside of the designated areas, users had to compete with other vehicles, resulting in poorer parking choices.
This example again emphasizes the need for proper infrastructure to support shared mobility. Lots of cities around the world were mainly designed with private cars in mind – which can create challenges for accommodating shared mobility solutions.
Anne Hidalgo, Paris' Mayor, campaigned with a strong green agenda and has introduced various changes to tackle pollution and traffic jams. Her vision includes a "15-minute city" where people can access work, shopping, healthcare, education, and leisure within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes.
Yet, the chaotic state of free-floating e-scooters in Paris resulted in their ban. This scenario raises a question for other global cities: How can shared mobility be encouraged without disrupting other transportation choices and pedestrian movement?
According to Manon, the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which will draw many visitors, will provide valuable insight into the city's transportation system – including the viability of shared mobility.
Shared mobility is here to stay – so start planning today
By adopting a supportive approach, authorities worldwide can play a crucial role in enabling the full potential of shared mobility. While it may require a shift in mindset, the potential gains of reduced congestion, environmental sustainability, and improved transportation options make it a worthwhile consideration.
We know that shared mobility is here to stay and will only expand in the coming years. By taking a more proactive stance, authorities will be in a better position to integrate and maximize the full benefits of shared mobility.
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7 proven ways to boost your car sharing ratings
🚗 Want to keep your car sharing ratings high? Customers expect reliability, transparency, and great service - and their reviews reflect it. From AI-powered photo verification to seamless IoT connectivity, here are 7 game-changing solutions to improve your ratings and build trust with your users.
March 25, 2025
min. read
Car sharing can be a tough business. Your fleet is constantly in motion, customers have high expectations, and every review can impact your reputation. The difference between a good business and one that struggles often comes down to customer satisfaction – and that means keeping your ratings high.
So, what are the best ways to improve ratings in car sharing? Here are some smart solutions that can make a real impact.
1. AI-powered photo verification to prevent surprises
No one likes picking up a car and finding it scratched, dented, or dirty. AI-powered photo verification helps prevent these problems before they affect your ratings. The system ensures that users take proper photos before and after their ride. If a car is parked badly or a photo doesn’t show the vehicle correctly, the system flags it. This reduces disputes, increases accountability, and improves overall service quality.
Users also feel more secure knowing that they won’t be held accountable for damage they didn’t cause. This small step significantly improves trust in your service, which in turn helps maintain higher ratings over time.
Want to integrate this? Check out how ATOM Mobility supports smart integrations.
2. Customer support that actually helps
Fast and effective customer support is a game changer. Users expect quick answers, especially when they’re locked out of a car or facing a technical issue. Integrating tools like Zendesk, Intercom, or Mavenoid provides live chat, automated AI-powered answers, FAQs, and even emoji-based responses to make communication smoother. Happy customers leave better ratings – it’s that simple.
A great support system also means fewer negative reviews, as frustrated users are less likely to vent online when they can quickly get the help they need. Plus, automated FAQs help users solve minor issues on their own without waiting for a response.
3. Great IoT connectivity for a better experience
A smooth, uninterrupted experience is one of the biggest factors in user satisfaction. Vehicle connectivity solutions ensure that cars are always accessible when needed. Imagine a user trying to unlock a car, but the IoT lags or the car doesn’t respond. Frustrating, right? Integrating reliable IoT solutions minimizes these issues, making your service more dependable. ATOM Mobility supports a wide range of IoT modules like Teltonika, Geotab, INVERS and several others. This means your fleet remains connected, responsive, and reliable no matter what car models you have in your fleet.
A connected fleet also allows operators to quickly detect vehicle malfunctions, battery levels, and maintenance needs, ensuring cars remain in top condition before issues escalate.
See how seamless connectivity makes car sharing better.
4. Let users rate their ride
Giving customers a voice is essential. By allowing them to rate their ride, you get valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Did they like the cleanliness? Was the car easy to access? Was the trip smooth? This data helps you adjust and improve, keeping your service top-notch. Plus, users appreciate being heard, which encourages them to leave better reviews.
Encouraging feedback also lets you identify problem areas before they turn into frequent complaints. A proactive approach keeps customers engaged and boosts loyalty.
5. Clear and simple pricing
Surprise fees are a surefire way to get bad ratings. Users want transparency when it comes to pricing. Make sure your app clearly displays all costs upfront, including any deposits, insurance fees, or extra charges. Simple and honest pricing leads to trust, and trust leads to better reviews.
It also helps to offer clear explanations of what happens in case of late returns, damages, or toll fees. When users know what to expect, they’re less likely to be upset when additional charges apply.
6. Keep your fleet in top shape with preventive maintenance
It might sound obvious, but maintaining your vehicles properly is a huge factor in customer satisfaction. No one wants to deal with a car that smells weird, has a flat tire, or makes strange noises. Regular inspections, automated maintenance tracking, and in-app damage reporting help keep your fleet in top condition. Implementing task automation can further improve fleet maintenance, ensuring vehicles are always in optimal condition with minimal manual intervention. Well-maintained cars, happy customers, higher ratings.
Adding small touches like air fresheners, charging cables, and regular interior cleaning can elevate the user experience. Even if a vehicle is a few years old, good upkeep makes all the difference in perception.
7. All-in-one dashboard for smarter management
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. An advanced dashboard lets you track vehicle performance, monitor customer feedback, and optimize operations in one place. ATOM Mobility’s dashboard solution provides detailed analytics, helping you stay on top of issues before they affect your ratings.
By leveraging data insights, operators can identify peak rental times, adjust pricing models, and plan fleet expansions accordingly. A well-optimized system keeps operations efficient and users satisfied. Additionally, vehicle damage management helps customers easily report damages, allowing operators to address issues faster and improve overall service quality.
Improving your car sharing ratings isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right tools. By integrating AI-powered photo verification, enhancing customer support, ensuring seamless connectivity, and keeping your fleet well-maintained, you can significantly boost user satisfaction. And when customers are happy, your ratings – and your business – will thrive.
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Sign-up made easy: ATOM Mobility adds Apple and Google login options
At ATOM Mobility, we’re always looking for ways to improve the user experience. One of the most requested features from our customers has been alternative login options. And now, we’re happy to announce that Apple and Google sign-in options are finally here!
March 11, 2025
min. read
Why is this important?
Most mobile apps rely on phone number verification for sign-ups and logins. This is also the case for ATOM Mobility, where users verify their phone number using a One-Time Password (OTP). We use trusted partners like Twilio, Dexatel, and others to ensure secure phone verification. Big companies like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive also follow this method because it helps prevent fraud and unauthorized access.
However, we know that not everyone wants to use their phone number every time they log in. Some users prefer quicker options, especially if they’re alreadyuse Apple or Google on their devices. That’s why we’ve now added these alternatives.
The popularity of Apple & Google sign-in
According to global data, a significant number of people prefer logging in with their existing accounts rather than typing in a phone number. Research shows that about 60-80% of users choose social logins if given the option. That’s a huge number! By adding Apple and Google login, we’re making it even easier for users to sign up and start using your app instantly.
Many popular apps and platforms already offer these sign-in options because they reduce the time it takes for users to access services. The fewer steps involved, the more likely users are to complete registration rather than abandoning the process midway. For businesses, this translates to higher conversion rates and more engaged users.
What this means for your business
Adding Apple and Google login options isn’t just about convenience. It has real benefits for operators as well:
- Fewer support tickets – Phone number verification can sometimes fail due to network issues, wrong numbers, or SMS delays. With Apple and Google sign-ins, users can skip these problems entirely.
- Better user experience – The easier it is to sign up, the more likely users are to complete registration and start using the service.
- More successful registrations – Reducing friction at the sign-up stage means more people will complete the process, leading to higher conversion rates.
- Higher user retention – If signing in is fast and easy, users are more likely to return rather than be discouraged by a slow login process.
Security considerations
It’s important to note that phone number verification still plays a big role in fraud prevention. If users sign in without verifying their number, there’s a higher risk of fake accounts. That’s why we’re keeping the OTP method as the default while offering Apple and Google login as an alternative.
Many companies, including ATOM Mobility, prioritize fraud prevention. While Apple and Google sign-in reduce the risk of failed logins, they also require additional monitoring to ensure that the platform remains secure. Implementing fraud detection measures alongside these sign-in options can help maintain a balance between user convenience and platform security.
How it works
The updated login screen will now include Apple and Google sign-in buttons alongside the phone number option. Users can choose their preferred method, making the process faster and more flexible.
If you are an ATOM Mobility customer, enabling this feature in your app settings is simple. Once activated, users will see the Apple and Google login buttons immediately when they open the app. This small but powerful change can lead to more completed registrations and a smoother onboarding experience.
What’s next?
This is just one of the many improvements we’re bringing to ATOM Mobility. We’re constantly working on new features to enhance the user experience and streamline operations. Check out our other top features:
- Integrations – Connect with various third-party services like Zendesk, Intercom, and Mavenoid to improve customer support.
- Connectivity – Our platform supports multiple IoT devices and vehicle models, ensuring seamless operation.
- Dashboard – Manage your fleet and users efficiently with a feature-packed admin panel.
Future possibilities
At ATOM Mobility, we believe in continuous innovation. Now that Apple and Google login options are live, we are exploring other ways to simplify user access and improve security. Some potential future developments include:
- Biometric authentication – Using Face ID or fingerprint scanning for even faster logins.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Adding an extra layer of security for high-value users.
With Apple and Google login now available, signing up for ATOM Mobility-powered apps is easier than ever. Whether users prefer OTP verification or a simple one-tap login, they now have more choices. This update is all about making the experience smoother and increasing the number of successful registrations.
If you’re an ATOM Mobility customer, make sure to enable this feature and give your users the flexibility they want. And if you need any help, feel free to reach out to our team!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve the platform!
Driver App demo credentials - Email: test@atom.com, Password: driver
