Car sharing in Ulm: close eight locations - what does that mean for users?

Car sharing in Ulm: close eight locations - what does that mean for users?

The car sharing world in Ulm is facing a dramatic change! Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm (SWU) have decided to close eight of their car sharing locations. This decision, which comes into force on December 15, concerns the districts of Jungingen, Eggingen, Erme, Einsingen, Unterweiler, Mähringen, Gögglingen and teaching. How the Schwäbische Zeitung reported, this is a bitter setback for the car sharing model in the region, which has reached a record value this year.

The SWU justifies this drastic measure with a lack of acceptance in the rural districts. "In contrast to many other locations, these eight locations at the population have not yet found the acceptance required for economic operation," said a spokeswoman for the SWU. The demand was simply too low and many residents still prefer their own car. In addition, rising leasing and maintenance costs and the elimination of government funding for electric vehicles have influenced the decision.

background of the closure

The closure of the locations was not surprising. The municipalities have already been informed in advance, and the SWU had an insight into the number of uses, which had not brought the desired success since the introduction three years ago. "According to a careful assessment of all factors, the city of Ulm and SWU spoke out against this SWU2GO locations together against an extension of the contract," said the SWU spokeswoman. The decision shows that the car sharing concept in the rural areas of Ulm did not find the hoped-for.

But what happens with the existing charging stations? These will be preserved in the districts and will be converted into public charging stations from December 16. The SWU plans to continue to pursue the e-car sharing concept and to expand the necessary infrastructure. "A change from private car to the electric car sharing vehicle is only possible for consumers if the infrastructure is present," emphasizes the spokeswoman.

The future of car sharing in Ulm

Although the eight locations close, the car sharing offer will not completely disappear from rural areas. The locations in and around Erbach, Blaubeuren, Rottenacker as well as other places in the Alb-Donau district and in the Neu-Ulm district remain. The SWU sees the need to try new ways to develop a suitable regional mobility offer. "It is important to try new ground-even if not every location brings the desired success," says the SWU spokeswoman.

The decision to close the car sharing locations is a clear sign that people's mobility needs change. In the future, SWU will concentrate more on urban and inner -city areas in order to better meet users' needs. The closure of these locations could therefore be the first step in a new direction for mobility in Ulm, as well as the Augsburg general reported.