Today, 3.4 billion people live in rural areas – that’s over 40% of the world’s population. Although there are big differences between countries, with Asia and Africa pretty much out in front, the challenge of making mobility accessible to all is huge.

Many point to the risk of a two-speed dynamic as we develop and deploy new mobility solutions. On the one hand, densely populated well-connected areas are enjoying technical progress and gradually abandoning individual vehicles for shared forms of transportation, which are more environmentally friendly and economical for users. On the other, rural areas and small towns may seem, at times, condemned to rely almost exclusively on the car to get around.

While initiatives are being developed in some regions, alternatives to the car in rural areas remain insufficient or non-existent.

This reality can generate a feeling of unfairness or of being forgotten. In reality, mobility in less densely populated areas is a powerful lever for local authorities to dynamize the surrounding area. It is crucial for economic development, social inclusion, access to employment and purchasing power.

We therefore urgently need to offer people living in rural and suburban areas new forms of mobility. While also expanding and improving the solutions already in place – and ensuring they are financially viable.