Friday 5 September, 2025 – In a recent hearing with the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, Ali Clabburn, the Founder of Liftshare and Chair of Mobilityways, emphasized the importance of carpooling as a solution to various transportation issues in the UK. Clabburn warned that without proper support and recognition from the government, the country is missing out on a “low-cost, high-impact solution” to congestion, emissions, and access to work.
During the hearing, Clabburn pointed out that if not for carpooling, there would be 30% more cars on the roads in Britain today. However, while other European countries are making strides in this sector, the UK has not provided sufficient support. For instance, France, Italy, and the Netherlands have all implemented national carpooling plans, with France investing €150 million annually to triple carpooling by 2027.
According to Clabburn, carpooling has numerous benefits, including saving individuals money, reducing emissions, improving access to jobs, and decreasing loneliness and congestion. He added that carpooling can be implemented immediately, as the empty seats are already available.
Clabburn stated, “Our Liftshare members save an average of £1,000 a year – the equivalent of a pay rise – while also cutting around a tonne of CO₂. However, unlike buses or electric vehicles, carpooling has no government plan, no funding, and no campaign to rebuild participation after Covid. This needs to change.”
The evidence presented to the committee by other individuals further reinforced Mobilityways’ call for government support in carpooling initiatives. For example, Richard Dilks from CoMoUK highlighted that the UK is “at an all-time low” in terms of government support for carpooling. He compared the country to Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, where carpooling is already integrated into transport policy.
Sam Dewhurst from HiyaCar provided examples of how corporate car-sharing schemes in the NHS and local government have successfully reduced costs and emissions. One trust was able to save £60,000 and 20 tonnes of CO₂ in just one year.
MPs on the Committee also acknowledged the potential of carpooling in addressing rural access and workforce recruitment issues, where inadequate public transport is hindering growth.
Mobilityways is urging the Department for Transport to adopt a national carpooling strategy, which includes incentives for first-time carpool trips, recognition of carpooling as a formal transport mode in government policy, and support for employers to integrate car-sharing into recruitment, retention, and net zero plans.
Clabburn concluded by saying, “The government has expressed its desire to reduce congestion and emissions, improve access to work, and boost productivity. Carpooling can achieve all of that immediately and at minimal cost. Other countries have already demonstrated its potential. It’s time for the UK to catch up.”
This news story was distributed by Pressat, a leading UK-based news wire service.