this very useful carpooling platform for elderly people in the countryside

For almost a year, a new solidarity carpooling platform has been deployed in Corrèze: “Atchoum”. It allows journeys to be made at a lower cost, by connecting drivers and users. It is useful in the countryside for small one-off errands, particularly for people who can no longer travel independently.

“Hello Mrs. I would like to book a trip for Monday 2 with Maxime.“It's now a habit. Sitting in the armchair in her living room, phone in hand, Madame Jardillier calls “Atchoum”. Several times a month, when she plans to visit her husband in a retirement home, she requests the services of this platform.The driver picks me up from my home, comes back to pick me up and brings me backdescribes the retiree. Booking is very easy. For me, it's very practical.“

Deployed less than a year ago in Égletons, in Corrèze, the company “Atchoum” connects drivers (compensated per kilometer distance) with people requiring short distance travel using a website, a call platform or an application. Useful in the countryside, it is especially practical for retirees, who make up the majority of the customer base.

It creates a bond, we discuss, we get to know each other, it’s fun!

Maxime, driver on the “Atchoum” platform

A few days after her call, Madame Jardillier sees Maxime, her driver for the day, parking at the scheduled time in front of her home. By increasing the number of common races, the two got to know each other. “It creates a bond, we discuss, we get to know each othersmiles the driver. It's a pleasure to be of service and Madame Jardillier, I think she's happy that I'm taking her.” Today’s journey? A round trip of one kilometer, for which the retiree will have paid barely four euros. Prices are set by the platform and only apply over a maximum distance of eleven kilometers.

Deployed in around twenty departments, the company is set up in a territory when a community wishes to offer a mobility solution adapted to the demand. In Corrèze, it was the community of communes Ventadour-Égletons Monédières which contacted “Atchoum”. Popular with its users, the platform nevertheless struggles to attract volunteers. “For this to be sustainable, we still need to have many more drivers registeredexplains Patricia Dubouchaud, responsible for social matters at the community. We currently have thirty-six for forty passengers.“

Since the launch of the service in Égletons, ninety journeys have been carried out. “Staying at home imposes constraints that are difficult to bear when you get older or are disabled.relates Charles Ferré, the president of the community of communes. This platform actually allows you to do your shopping and keep in touch…“

With “Atchoum”, local elected officials also want to reduce the carbon footprint and the cost of travel. It aims to double the number of registered drivers before next year.