Whether it’s a car trip, how we park, access to bike trails or sidewalks, or public transit, many changes are probably on the horizon for commuting in the coming years. Here’s a look at two key areas.
Rethinking cars
The role of cars in commuting will be interesting to watch over the next decade. As more alternatives come online, it’s a guessing game as to whether people will continue to drive as they do now. Everyone knows that cars create congestion and decrease air quality. Yet, people still love to commute in their cars in the United States and other parts of the world.
But car commuting might be on the way out or, at least, limited. According to Deloitte’s 2020 City Mobility Index, European cities and New York cities have already created congestion pricing legislation to tax drivers for driving in city centers at peak times. Other cities, like Barcelona, have banned driving in city centers altogether. London strengthened its congestion pricing laws, and Berlin banned diesel engines in several zones in the city.
Rethinking shared mobility
Restrictions on car commuting open up alternatives like more bike lanes and other types of shared mobility. Shared mobility includes biking, bike sharing, scooter rentals, corporate shuttle service or private Lyft bikes.
Deloitte says cities will continue to adapt to shared mobility, including both legislation and uses. For example, in dense cities, bikes, or e-scooters may make excellent choices for commuting options. Commuters could also use a biking service to get to and from a bus or rail stop. But the service may not make sense in a sprawling city.
Riders have quickly adopted shared mobility (or micromobility) options for their commutes and other uses. Since these transportation methods give users another option besides the car, they can also help the environment by contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases and keep roadways from being congested.
Bringing back employees to work safely
For employers who want to bring their workforce back to the office, Edenred Benefits’ micromobility options can help offer faster and safer commuting solutions. Edenred Benefits’ exclusive micromobility program integrates traditional transit benefits with commuting options that include biking, bike sharing, ride hailing services and electric scooters.
For more information on shared mobility or commuter benefits, visit www.commuter.benefits.com/products
