While ride-sharing is just now achieving widespread popularity in the U.S., the city of Bremen, Germany has been taking the concept to the next level for several years by integrating it with the established public transportation system. More recently, the city has begun building car-sharing ports at transit stations, streamlining the process further.
Public transportation is well-established in Bremen, as only about 40% of the population drives themselves. Bus and train services are linked under the Bremer Karte program, allowing use of one pass for both. Beginning in 1998, however, residents could pay an extra $10-$12 for use of designated vehicles.
City officials opened the first on-street car-sharing stations in 2003 following an addendum to local law. As of December 2014, there are reportedly 60 stations around the city serving a total of 10,000 Bremer Karte plus Autocard users.
Twenty more stations are planned for 2015, and the city hopes to have 20,000 ride-sharing participants by 2020. It is the world’s first city to create a municipal ride-sharing action plan.
