New research by FREE NOW, Europe’s Mobility Super App, has revealed that over half of the UK public plan to increase their use of sustainable transport choices in 2023 as a way to cut spending and look after the planet.
This includes using shared mobility (micro-mobility, taxis and PHVs) and public transport and has become more important in the wake of the current cost of living crisis. The findings are revealed in the UK’s top transport resolutions, released by FREE NOW.
The research shows a marked shift in travel priorities across the UK where micro-mobility including electric bikes and eScooters, as well as ride-hailing and lift-sharing, have been increasing in popularity. Europe’s Mobility Super App FREE NOW has seen a 200 per cent growth in shared mobility usage in 2022 alone.
The UK’s Top Transport Resolutions
1. Use more shared mobility: People plan to travel in different ways with 14% pledging to use shared mobility more with FREE NOW reporting a 200% growth in micro-mobility usage in 2022 alone.
2. Consider living without a private car: Almost half of young people think they could live without a car by using cabs, PHVs, eScooters and eBikes.
3. Use more public transport: 37% of people said they will rely on public transport more in 2023
4. Go Electric: More than one in 10 (14%) are going to replace their car with a new, cleaner model such as an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid, with new EV driver registrations on the FREE NOW app up 120% this year
FREE NOW’s findings are revealed following a year in which the company stepped up its sustainability. Whilst overall trips have increased 32% this year, nearly three-quarters (74%) of those trips have taken place in electrified vehicles, as part of FREE NOW’s efforts to become an all-electric platform by 2025.
There has been a significant increase in electric vehicle drivers coming onto the platform this year, up 120%. FREE NOW offers a £2,000 subsidy to help drivers make the switch to an electric vehicle, both for black cab drivers and private hire vehicles.
This is good news, especially given the current climate and cost of living situation affecting everyone in the UK. Not only is this good for the planet but will help people save money when it comes to their transport choices.
Mariusz Zabrocki, FREE NOW General Manager UK, said:“Sustainability is increasingly an important topic to both the general public and FREE NOW drivers.
“Already this year we’ve seen a 200% increase in micro-mobility usage on the platform and nearly three-quarters of all taxi and private hire tours were done in electrified vehicles.
“This is only set to continue in 2023 with more people pledging to prioritise sustainable transport in their daily lives, with FREE NOW on hand to support them in any way they like to travel.
“We are committed to becoming net zero by 2030, making all taxis in the UK market electric by 2024 and all private hire vehicles by 2025 and we will continue to work towards this goal.”
Despite the rise in costs of food and drink during this year, one area where people have no plans to cut back is on spending on transport over the Christmas and New Year period. More than 60% of people said they will celebrate to the fullest, without changing their plans when it comes to travel.
Over half (54%) of people say public transport and taxis are their preferred modes of transport when leaving company parties and family celebrations during the festive season, whilst a third of 36-45 year-olds prefer to only travel by taxi.
According to historical data, the best time to have a ride scheduled to take you home on New Year’s Eve using FREE NOW is between 12 to 2 am, whilst 2 to 4 am are the busiest times to get a taxi.
