The Client is of the world’s largest healthcare manufacturing organisations, with a significant presence in Switzerland. The company operates across five continents and employs around 18,000 people globally. Urban Connect provides integrated / multi-modal mobility services at three of their sites: in a town in the Valais alps, in a large Swiss city as well as in a smaller Swiss town right next to the German border, but this case study will focus on the town in the alps.

The client faced several significant challenges that were affecting both the company and the local community. Firstly, the large influx of commuters travelling to the company’s industrial campus led to severe traffic congestion, putting a strain on the relationship with the small mountain town. Secondly, the campus lacks sufficient parking facilities for private vehicles, causing employees to use public parking spaces and making local parking issues worse, which further strained relations with the community. Thirdly, 82% of employees live close enough to commute to work by e-bike (0-15km) but majority still opted for a private car. In context of theses issues, the client recognised the need for a solution that enhanced the commuting experience.

Given that 82% of employees live between 0 and 15 km away from the facility and the challenges the client was experiencing, Urban Connect implemented a comprehensive shared e-bike program for the company. This initiative featured 50 shared e-bikes (now 160) and 4 shared e-cargo-bikes, completed with booking software, maintenance services, insurance, and a 24/7 customer support helpline for user assistance. This support system ensures that the e-bikes are always accessible, well-maintained, and ready for use, providing a reliable and eco-friendly transportation option for the employees of the client.

To support this initiative, Urban Connect established 160 e-bike charging stations distributed across 7 different locations in the town. This strategic placement ensures that employees can easily access and charge the e-bikes, promoting widespread usage and convenience.

To maximise the impact, Urban Connect organised an onboarding event aimed at increasing user engagement and awareness. This event was designed to familiarise employees with the new e-bike and e-cargo-bike systems, encouraging them to integrate the e-bikes into their daily routines. Through these efforts, the client not only improved the commuting experience for their employees but also advanced their commitment to operational efficiency.

The client implemented a comprehensive mobility solution with Urban Connect to address their commuting and parking challenges. The shared e-bike program has delivered impressive results for the client. A total of 4,325 users have registered on the platform, representing 86.5% of the clients employees in that site. In the first three years, the program has seen 101,506 bookings, averaging over 4,200 bookings per month. Each month on average, more than 550 users actively use the 164 e-bikes. The most popular e-bikes have a utilisation rate exceeding 93%, with peak bookings occurring in the morning, at lunch, and during commuting hours.

In June 2024, we conducted a survey among the clients users to gauge their satisfaction with our service, uncovering some wonderful insights.

Firstly, the client was facing a huge traffic problem which was affecting their relationship with the local community. 58% of respondents now commute using UC e-bikes at least once a week, and 20% choose them over private cars. This shift has resulted in at least a 10% reduction in traffic congestion.

Secondly, in regards to parking, 25% of respondents report using parking facilities less frequently. Two employees have sold their cars, and seven others are considering it. Additionally, the availability of e-bikes has prevented 14 employees from purchasing a car. Therefore, less parking is being utilised overall.

Thirdly, the client was facing the fact that 82% of employees live close enough to bike to work. With 58% of employees commuting at least once a week (20%) using UC e-bikes instead of the private car, employees are getting to the company site in a more efficient way.

Due to the overall success with Urban Connect’s service, the client has expanded the program to their other two Swiss locations.

👉 Get in contact with our team to discuss your mobility needs: sales@urban-connect.ch

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