Corporate mobility plans are a powerful trend in Europe that can reshape our perception of transportation. Currently, a significant portion of the business sector lacks sustainable mobility policies for its employees. This absence of guidelines contributes significantly to congestion issues in cities, as the lack of internal coordination in companies leads to an inefficient use of mobility resources, resulting in negative impacts for both the company and the community.

In this article, we will analyze the current state of corporate mobility in Spain compared to other European countries and explore how to enhance it through innovative connected mobility solutions.

‍

Spain Lags Behind Other European Countries in Corporate Mobility Initiatives

‍

Despite public transportation subsidies and state fuel assistance, Spain still lags behind its European neighbors. In addition to these initiatives, other countries economically incentivize employees to commute more efficiently and sustainably. For example:

‍

• Netherlands: Workers commuting by bicycle receive a state subsidy of 21 cents per kilometer, potentially exceeding 1,000 euros annually. Employees also have the option to purchase a discounted bicycle with tax benefits through their companies.
• France: Similar to the Netherlands, France offers up to 800 euros annually for employees using bicycles and other non-polluting vehicles, such as electric or shared cars. Companies can cover part or all of the expenses incurred by employees commuting by bicycle or using shared or public transportation. The country even provides incentives to replace old cars with electric bicycles.
• Germany: Employees cycling to work can receive compensation of 0.30 euros per kilometer traveled through a government-implemented tax incentive system.

‍

According to Guillermo Campoamor, CEO & Founder of Meep, "the fact that large companies and SMEs economically incentivize employees to commute more efficiently doesn't mean everyone has to take the bus. Some may carpool with facilitating tools, while others may use the company's digitized shuttle. The infrastructure is there; now, it's about connecting the pieces and regulating. This change may be technical but has transformative potential."

‍

‍

Connected Corporate Mobility as a Crucial Element in Reducing a Company's Carbon Footprint Cost

‍

Since October 1, 2023, under a pilot program ending in 2026, companies must assess their entire carbon footprint and pay taxes on it, following regulations by the European Commission for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). In other words, companies are obligated to evaluate and pay taxes on their carbon footprint, making it even more crucial to somehow certify employee emission reductions.

Spain, besides trailing in initiatives for sustainable corporate mobility, faces four factors necessitating innovative solutions:

1. A disjointed mobility ecosystem among different transport operators and between personal and corporate mobility.
2. Limited digital solutions for employees, outdated corporate mobility, and few social benefits.
3. Difficulty in commuting with excessive time spent, high reliance on private cars, and traffic congestion.
4. Workplace stress, delayed arrival times, and a negative impact on employee performance.

In this scenario, connected corporate mobility emerges as a solution that increases efficiency, reduces costs, and provides employees with flexible and beneficial mobility alternatives. Especially with the Sustainable Mobility Bill, which mandates large activity centers and companies with over 500 employees per center or 250 per shift to implement sustainable mobility plans.

But what is connected corporate mobility? It involves the ability to obtain information, book, and pay for various transportation options (corporate, public, and private) through a single application, adapting to user preferences. Coupled with a gamification system that encourages employees, it promotes more sustainable and cleaner mobility for companies, offering the following advantages:

• Enhances employee transportation efficiency.
• Saves costs by optimizing available resources and managing travel expenses in a unified manner.
• Increases employee flexibility and comfort.
• Boosts the company's commitment to sustainability, social and territorial cohesion, and Corporate Responsibility.

‍

‍

Predictions for the Coming Months

‍

As Guillermo Campoamor mentions in the "10 Mobility Predictions for 2024," the traditional 'company car' culture is gradually being replaced by other corporate benefits aimed at improving commutes. These benefits fall under corporate mobility and can range from corporate ride-sharing or car-sharing options to mobility budgets per employee. Companies like Enterprise or Alphabet are at the forefront of these solutions, and in 2024, we anticipate a public sector push requiring certain companies to implement mobility plans to promote more sustainable employee commuting.

If you want to learn more about how Meep can assist companies with connected corporate mobility, contact us and request a demo.

‍