Letter from CEO of FREENOW, Thomas Zimmerman, on occasion of EU Mobility Week
Thriving cities and providing mobility that sets people free are at the core of FREENOW’s vision. We are achieving it by making sure that we provide safe, reliable and increasingly sustainable mobility options for all. As an important player in the mobility sector, we know our responsibility to set a good example, voice a vision of the future of urban transport in which infrastructure is people-centric and prioritises shared public space.
What makes EU Mobility Week initiative special is that it is encouraging both private and public sectors to “speak the same language” and use its resources and energy to promote smart mobility solutions aimed at enhancing urban living. Moving forward, it is essential to collaborate and exercise an open dialogue between businesses and cities. We are committed to that because FREENOW values partnership, trust and reliability, to create a positive impact together and for the future.
So what do we bring to the table as a multi-mobility app? Multiple years of experience in the taxi and mobility market. Reducing reliance on private cars by offering and promoting a superior taxi service alongside alternative shared transport modes within one app, that can easily be combined with existing public transport. On top of our core taxi service, we are integrating with several external mobility providers offering micro mobility options, carsharing, car rental as well as public transport, which makes us Europe's trusted multi-mobility app with a large vehicle choice for consumers across 150 cities.
Today we offer a great product that contributes to the promotion of multi-modal usage of transport. But we live on a planet in transition. As a business we are realistic about the challenges that our cities are facing and commit to actions helping them to thrive in the future.
Cities have continued to grow over the past 50 years, and it is projected that in the next 25 years, 70% of the population will live in cities. At the same time, we are facing a climate crisis and the scientific consensus is that it is caused by greenhouse gas emissions mainly from burning fossil fuels. The resulting global warming necessitates adaptation in our cities - to reduce emissions and cope with unavoidable changes.
We must be aware that mobility is the leading cause of emissions in Europe. Currently, there are 1.4 billion cars in the world, and forecasts indicate that this number will reach 2 billion by 2030. Therefore, a company operating in the mobility sector must have a clear purpose: to ensure its future viability by focusing on transitioning to decarbonized mobility. This means efficient resource utilisation and sustainability from both an environmental and human perspective.
On the other hand, regarding opportunities and tools to address these challenges, we are currently experiencing simultaneous revolutions. Sustainability and digitalization are at the forefront. Digitalization and more efficient usage of existing cars is a focus, and leading in sustainability will have to come hand in hand with government and key stakeholders.
We are only beginning the first steps of a transformation that will completely reshape our cities: flying vehicles, autonomous cars, a fully connected ecosystem supported by artificial intelligence for citizens, and emissions-free, multimodal mobility tailored to individual needs. Some of these changes are already visible, while others will arrive on our streets in the coming years or decades. Our ability to imagine this future will allow us to play a leading role in shaping it.But this road to the future cannot only be about technology. It has to talk about people, ways of moving, ways of working and ways of living together. This has to include both the users who want to access certain places, but also the people who work in the mobility sector, accompanying them in the transformation to make them grow as professionals. Ensuring that technological innovations improve safety and make the service more comfortable, sustainable and adapted.
Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of FREENOW
Find out about some recent FREENOW initiatives across Europe:
GREECE: ZAP Taxi Club
The ZAP Taxi Club is the first comprehensive electrification initiative for taxis in Athens. Launched in June 2024, developed by Sirec Energy S.A. in partnership with the Leasing department of the National Bank of Greece & FREENOW and the collaboration with industry leaders, this project aims to promote sustainability and support taxi drivers in their transition to zero emissions with a new fast-charging network exclusively for electric taxis. Together, we are paving the way for cleaner shared public spaces and greener cities.
Here's how it works:
Taxi licence owners can trade in their old conventional vehicles for brand-new electric taxis through a financial leasing agreement with Ethniki Leasing.
The program offers full coverage for vehicle maintenance, insurance, and necessary energy, along with a government subsidy for the purchase.
Owners of the new electric taxis, now proud members of the ZAP Taxi Club, will join FREENOW's 'Green' fleet and gain priority in the platform's loyalty program for drivers.
This initiative is registered as MOBILITYACTION 2024 on the official website of European Mobility Week 2024, learn more here.
IRELAND: Mobility Partnership Ireland
FREENOW is a member of Mobility Partnership Ireland (MPI), a coalition of leading companies operating in the shared transport sector that aspire to provide leadership and sustainable solutions to help Ireland’s future mobility.
Membership comprises commercial companies that provide bike hire, vehicle rental, taxi services, bus services, and payment solution services. It is MPI’s vision that Ireland develops as a global leader in shared sustainable mobility by placing the needs of transport users at the heart of transport policy, enabling innovation, promoting public health, and supporting climate action.
GERMANY: Improving Accessible Mobility in Hamburg and Berlin
Demonstrating its commitment to inclusive transportation, FREENOW has partnered with dedicated taxi companies in Hamburg and Berlin to introduce a new service that allows users to specifically request wheelchair-accessible vehicles via the app. Developed in close consultation with disability organizations, this service significantly enhances spontaneous taxi transport options for individuals who rely on wheelchairs. Looking ahead, FREENOW plans to expand this service to additional cities, further broadening access to reliable transportation for all individuals.
In support of the European Parliament elections in June 2024, FREENOW utilised this new service to provide free rides to the nearest accessible polling stations in Berlin, addressing the issue of many polling locations lacking proper accessibility.
