Company mobility plan: what is it and how to prepare it?

In a fast-changing business world, where sustainability is becoming a crucial performance criterion, a company mobility plan is essential. Mandatory for companies with more than 100 employees located within the scope of a Plan de déplacements urbains (PDU), this scheme aims to optimize travel linked to a company's activity, while reducing its environmental impact. In this article, we guide you through the development and implementation of a mobility plan, demonstrating how it can not only meet legal requirements but also significantly improve employee well-being and the operational efficiency of business fleets.

Definition of the Company Mobility Plan (PME)

A company mobility plan (PME), also known as a Plan de Déplacements Entreprise (PDE), is a structured approach aimed at optimizing travel linked to a company's activities, by encouraging the use of less polluting and more sustainable forms of transport.

In the current regulatory context, the SME is part of a sustainable development approach imposed by several legislative frameworks, including the Law on Energy Transition for Green Growth (LTECV) adopted in France in 2015. This law stipulates that any company with more than 100 employees located within the perimeter of a Plan de Déplacements Urbains (PDU) must implement a mobility plan since January 1, 2018. This plan must include a diagnosis of mobility habits, a program of actions, a budget and a timetable for completion, and must be forwarded to the relevant Mobility Organizing Authority (AOM). This legal obligation underlines the importance of the PME not only as a regulatory compliance tool, but also as a lever for improving air quality and reducing the ecological footprint of business activities.

Legal framework and obligations

Legal frameworks and obligations are not just constraints, but also opportunities for companies to innovate in terms of mobility and actively participate in the ecological transition of their territory.

The French Law on Energy Transition for Green Growth (LTECV)

The Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, enacted in August 2015, aims to move France towards a greener economic model. This law introduced a series of mandatory measures for companies, including the requirement for those with more than 100 employees on a single site and located within a PDU to develop a Company Mobility Plan. The aim is to reduce CO2 emissions by optimizing travel and promoting public transport or soft modes of transport.

Urban travel plans (PDU)

The Plan de Déplacements Urbains (Urban Mobility Plan) is a framework document that organizes the transport of people and goods, traffic and parking in French conurbations of over 100,000 inhabitants. It defines the general principles for organizing public and private transport, as well as measures to reduce urban congestion. Companies located within these perimeters must align their SMBs with the directives of the local PDU, thus integrating their mobility plans into a broader vision of sustainable urban mobility.

Region-specific requirements

Depending on the regulations specific to each region or conurbation, companies may have additional or specific obligations in terms of mobility. For example, some regions strongly encourage telecommuting practices to reduce pressure on public transport during peak hours, or offer incentives for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. These regional initiatives complement national obligations and aim to create a more sustainable and less polluting working environment.

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Benefits of an effective mobility plan

Implemented by the fleet manager or human resources department, the mobility plan aims to improve both operational efficiency and employee well-being. Expected benefits include reduced costs linked to accidents and sick leave, better employee punctuality, improved efficiency thanks to physical activity, better site accessibility, and a calmer social climate. It also enhances the company's image by contributing to a corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach.

Reduce travel costs

Implementing an effective mobility plan can lead to a significant reduction in the direct and indirect costs associated with employee travel. By promoting less expensive and more efficient modes of transport, such as car-sharing, public transport or cycling, companies can reduce expenditure on mileage allowances, parking and fuel costs. What's more, a reduction in traffic congestion can also cut down on the time wasted travelling, boosting employee productivity.

Improving the ecological footprint

A successful mobility plan helps reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other atmospheric pollutants, bringing corporate practices into line with sustainable development objectives. By encouraging the use of less polluting transport, companies play an active role in the fight against climate change, while improving their brand image and reinforcing their corporate social responsibility.

Improving quality of life at work

Mobility plans that promote more pleasant and less stressful transportation alternatives can greatly improve employees' quality of life. Active modes of transport such as walking or cycling have beneficial effects on physical and mental health, which can translate into reduced absenteeism and increased employee engagement. What's more, flexible mobility solutions, such as telecommuting or adjustable working hours, enable a better work-life balance.

Regulatory compliance and competitive advantages

By complying with the legal requirements for mobility plans, companies avoid the risk of sanctions and boost their competitiveness. A well-designed and well-communicated mobility plan can also serve as a recruitment and staff retention tool, attracting candidates who value ecological initiatives and well-being at work.

Key steps in developing a mobility plan

The implementation of a mobility plan is divided into five phases. This structure allows for a methodical approach, ensuring that all the necessary steps are covered to achieve an effective and sustainable mobility plan. The diagnostic phase, for example, includes a detailed analysis of employees' travel habits and needs.

Initial diagnosis

The first step in creating an effective mobility plan is to carry out a complete diagnosis of the company's current mobility practices. This includes an analysis of the modes of transport used by employees for their home-to-work journeys, the frequency of their business trips, as well as the transport infrastructure available around company sites and reimbursement methods. This diagnosis helps identify specific challenges to be addressed and opportunities for improvement.

Defining objectives

Based on the diagnosis, the company must define clear, measurable objectives for its mobility plan. These objectives may include reducing CO2 emissions, decreasing the use of private cars, increasing the use of public transport or bicycles, and improving access and working conditions for employees.

Drawing up an action plan

Once the objectives have been set, the next step is to draw up a detailed action plan to achieve them. This plan should include a list of measures to be implemented, such as promoting telecommuting, improving bicycle infrastructure, negotiating preferential fares with public transport services, or setting up an internal car-sharing system. Each measure must be accompanied by performance indicators to monitor its effectiveness.

Implementation

Implementing the action plan requires the commitment of all stakeholders, including management, employees, and possibly external partners such as transport suppliers. It is crucial to communicate clearly on the measures put in place, to train employees on the new options available, and to put in place incentives to encourage the adoption of new practices.

Follow-up and adjustment

The final key element in developing a mobility plan is monitoring and evaluating its impact. This involves the regular collection of data on modes of transport used, greenhouse gas emissions, and employee satisfaction. The results obtained must be compared with the initial objectives, and the plan adjusted according to successes and areas requiring improvement.

The role of the various players

Each player has a distinct but complementary role in creating and maintaining an effective mobility plan, contributing to a more sustainable environment and a better quality of life for all employees.

Management commitment

The success of a mobility plan depends heavily on the commitment of the company's management. Management must not only approve the plan, but also actively promote a culture of sustainable mobility within the organization. They must allocate the necessary resources, both financial and human, and ensure that sustainable mobility is integrated into the company's strategic objectives.

Employee participation

Employees play a crucial role in the effective implementation of a mobility plan. Their active participation in the planning and execution of the various initiatives can increase the acceptance and effectiveness of the proposed measures. Regular consultations and the establishment of working groups or mobility committees can facilitate this participation.

Working with local authorities

Companies don't operate in isolation, and are often dependent on the infrastructure and services provided by local authorities, particularly in terms of transport. Close collaboration with these entities can help align the objectives of the company's mobility plan with urban mobility plans and public transport initiatives. It can also pave the way for subsidies or support for specific projects.

Partnerships with mobility service providers

Mobility service providers, whether public transport companies, car-sharing services or bicycle rental companies, are also key partners. Working with them can help negotiate preferential rates for employees, develop tailor-made mobility solutions and improve access to these services from company sites.

The role of mobility advisors

Mobility advisors, often employed by local authorities or external consultants, can provide technical and strategic expertise in the development and implementation of the mobility plan. They help analyze mobility data, identify best practices and implement innovative solutions to specific business challenges.

Resources and assistance available

To help implement a mobility plan, various resources and players are available. ADEME offers guides and assessment tools, and organizations such as Autorités Organisatrices de la Mobilité, Chambres de Commerce et d'Industrie, and cycling associations can provide support and advice.

Government and local subsidies

Many governments and local authorities offer grants and financial incentives to support companies' sustainable mobility initiatives. These financial aids can cover part of the costs associated with implementing alternative transport solutions, such as installing charging stations for electric vehicles, implementing shuttle services, or improving infrastructure for bicycles. We recommend consulting the websites of local authorities or sustainable development agencies to find out about available programs.

Planning tools and software

A variety of tools and software are available to help companies effectively plan and manage their mobility plans. These tools can help analyze employee travel habits, model the impacts of different mobility strategies, and monitor progress towards set objectives. Many of these tools are available free of charge or at a reduced cost to companies.

Expertise and advice

Companies can also benefit from the expertise of specialist mobility consultants or mobility advisors employed by local authorities. These professionals can offer tailor-made support, from the initial design of the plan to its implementation and evaluation. They can also help train internal staff to manage and develop the mobility plan.

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