One of the key sites of the GEMINI Project is the Paris-Saclay Mobility Living Lab, which plays a crucial role in testing and advancing carsharing solutions in peri-urban contexts.
Understanding the Paris-Saclay Mobility Living Lab
Paris-Saclay is a major innovation hub located in the Île-de-France region, bringing together world-class research institutions, high-tech industries, and a growing urban population. However, despite its status as a knowledge and technology center, mobility in Paris-Saclay faces unique challenges due to its peri-urban setting. Car dependency remains high, and public transportation, while extensive, does not always meet the complex commuting needs of its residents and professionals.
To address these challenges, the Paris-Saclay MLL focuses on developing and implementing carsharing solutions that provide a viable alternative to private car ownership, reducing congestion and environmental impact.
Key Components of the Paris-Saclay MLL
- Local Community Set-up and Engagement
The success of the MLL is built on strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including municipalities, research institutions, and private mobility providers. Engagement strategies include:
- User participation workshops to understand commuting behaviors and mobility needs.
- Collaboration with local businesses and universities to promote shared mobility solutions for employees and students.
- Public awareness campaigns to encourage adoption and long-term behavioral change.
- Carsharing as a Sustainable Solution
One of the flagship initiatives in the Paris-Saclay MLL is the expansion of Clem’, an electric car-sharing service that operates within the region. Key features include:
- Strategically located carsharing stations in business districts, residential areas, and near public transport hubs.
- Integration with multimodal transport systems, allowing users to combine carsharing with trains, buses, and cycling infrastructure.
- User-friendly digital platforms that facilitate seamless booking, payment, and usage tracking.
This approach aims to reduce the need for individual car ownership, lower CO2 emissions, and enhance the accessibility of sustainable transport options.
Impact and Evaluation
The Paris-Saclay MLL has been actively monitoring its impact on local mobility patterns through data collection and surveys. Preliminary results indicate:
- A growing shift towards shared mobility, with a steady increase in Clem’ carsharing subscriptions.
- Reduced traffic congestion in key areas, particularly around business hubs and research institutions.
- Positive user feedback, highlighting the convenience and affordability of carsharing compared to traditional car ownership.
Synergies with Other GEMINI MLLs
One of the strengths of the GEMINI project is its ability to cross-pollinate ideas and best practices between different cities. Paris-Saclay collaborates with other MLLs, such as Amsterdam’s Mobility as a Commons (MaaC) initiative and Copenhagen’s multimodal mobility hubs, to refine its carsharing model and improve its scalability.
Additionally, insights from Porto’s MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) integration are being explored to enhance the digital experience and connectivity of Paris-Saclay’s carsharing ecosystem.
Next Steps for the Paris-Saclay MLL
Looking ahead, the Paris-Saclay MLL aims to scale up its carsharing network, introduce new incentives for shared mobility adoption, and strengthen its partnerships with local businesses and government agencies. Further research will focus on optimizing station locations, improving vehicle availability, and enhancing multimodal integration.
The Paris-Saclay Mobility Living Lab stands at the forefront of sustainable urban mobility innovation, tackling the challenges of peri-urban transport through cutting-edge carsharing solutions. By leveraging local partnerships, digital tools, and cross-city collaboration, this MLL is not only improving accessibility in Paris-Saclay but also setting a precedent for shared mobility in similar urban contexts across Europe.
FIGURE 3: Commuauté Paris-Saclay, part of the Île-de-France region just outside the Metropolis of Greater Paris (Métropole du Grand Paris).