Low car occupancy rates highlight potential for reduced traffic congestion

Research from the European Commission and the European Environment Agency indicates that average occupancy in private cars within the European Union is less than 1.5 people. During daily commutes, this figure is even lower. Marko Slavulj, a professor at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Transport Sciences, notes that average occupancy for commuters ranges between 1.1 and 1.2 passengers per vehicle, meaning over 80 percent of drivers travel alone.

Experts suggest that increasing average occupancy from 1.1 to 1.5 people could reduce the number of vehicles on access roads by 12 to 20 percent, potentially easing congestion at key urban intersections during peak hours. While carpooling is commonly used in Croatia for intercity travel via platforms like BlaBlaCar, its use for commuting saw a recent spike in Zagreb.

During a three-day strike by ZET and Zagreb Holding workers in late September, which nearly halted public transport, Zagreb residents turned to carpooling to reach their workplaces. City authorities encouraged citizens to drive colleagues and neighbors, utilizing the 'Idemo Zagreb' platform to coordinate rides. The strike ended following a court ruling that declared the industrial action illegal.