CARLOS Pilot Program

A pilot program with 11 CARLOS posts was conducted in Burgdorf (Swiss midlands) from 2002 to 2005. The scientifically supervised tests were carried out as a proof of concept and for basic clarification.

The test program area encompassed around 20 km2 and six rural to suburban towns or villages; a well-developed public transportation offer already existed and this was complemented and strengthened through CARLOS.

After three test years and around 6000 ride-sharing trips, the pilot program ended on schedule and was evaluated. The results can be summarized as follows:

1. The CARLOS ride-sharing system functioned without any technical difficulties.
2. The willingness to share rides is enormous; the average waiting time over 3 years and around the clock was just 6 minutes.  
3. There were no incidents (attacks) and practically no vandalism.
4. The need for CARLOS must be defined by each region.
5. Marketing and promotion for CARLOS are of central importance.