BlaBlaCar recorded more than 970,000 shared trips in Spain between July and September 2024, maintaining the same levels of activity as last year despite government aid promoting the use of trains and buses.
The car-sharing platform has proven its resilience in the face of increased public transport incentives, highlighting its role as a reliable mobility option for many Spaniards.
The company noted a 5% increase in car-sharing usage among users over 30 years of age compared to the same period last year.
The biggest growth, however, came from those over 50, with a 7% increase in use, indicating a rising preference for car-sharing services among older demographics.
During this period, the average distance of journeys made through BlaBlaCar was 259 kilometers, with an average price of 15 euros.
Popular destinations included major cities such as Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Granada, and Valencia, demonstrating a strong demand for shared travel options within and between urban areas.
Additionally, BlaBlaCar reported a 15% increase in trips under 75 kilometers, connecting a total of 5,721 towns across Spain. This growth in short-distance car-sharing suggests that BlaBlaCar is becoming an essential service for residents of smaller towns who lack efficient public transportation options.
The platform’s cross-border bus business also experienced a significant boost, increasing by 30% this summer compared to last year. Key cross-border routes include connections between Barcelona and France, Madrid and Lisbon, and San Sebastián and Biarritz. This expansion of international bus services further reinforces BlaBlaCar’s position as a comprehensive mobility provider, catering to both domestic and international travel needs.
Despite the impact of government incentives for trains and buses, BlaBlaCar’s sustained success in Spain highlights its role in connecting regions and offering a convenient alternative to traditional transportation modes. As car-sharing continues to grow, the company is poised to maintain its influence in the Spanish mobility sector.
