Daily transport: rural areas face accessibility challenges
In large cities, mobility solutions are evolving rapidly.
But in rural areas, accessing daily transport remains a major challenge for millions of French people.
Low density, distance from services, limited infrastructure: the territorial divide in terms of mobility persists.
Faced with the urgency of an inclusive transition, what are the alternatives for opening up rural areas?
A persistent territorial divide
In 2026, many rural communities still suffer from a lack of regular transport services :
no buses, distant stations, few on-demand services.
The consequences are multiple:
- Heavy dependence on private cars
- Isolation of elderly, young or unlicensed people
- Difficulties in accessing employment, health, training
This situation reinforces social and territorial inequalities, despite the ambitions of the LOM Law (Mobility Orientation Law).
What concrete solutions in 2026?
To meet the specific needs of low-density areas, several models are emerging:
- Transport on Demand (TAD) : book a minibus via app or phone
- Structured carpooling for home-work journeys
- Intercommunal shuttles connecting municipalities to service hubs
- Mobile solutions for access to healthcare or culture (itinerant buses, connected vans)
The challenge is to propose a tailored, flexible and economical offer, co-constructed with residents and local stakeholders.
Solidarity mobility and local initiatives
Many communities and associations are developing projects solidarity mobility :
- Volunteer transport services for vulnerable people
- Micro-rental services (electric bike, scooter, shared car)
- Local passenger-driver matching apps
These hybrid models complement the public offering and strengthen social ties.
They also allow to rethinking mobility as a lever for inclusion.
What role for communities and innovation?
Communities have a central role to play in:
- Funding the experiments
- Create inter-municipal mobility plans
- Supporting local digital platforms
More and more start-ups are interested in smart rural mobility, by offering management, reservation, or journey sharing tools.
Meet us at Euromove: mobility at the heart of the regions
The living room Euromove 2026 gives a central place to the daily mobility and rural areas :
- Exhibitors specializing in TAD, local carpooling, and solidarity platforms
- Conferences dedicated to solutions for low-density areas
- Meetings between elected officials, transport operators and start-ups
📅 See the program
📍 Plan Your Visit
📩 Become an exhibitor
Conclusion
There rural mobility is not under-mobility: it is a major issue for territorial cohesion.
Initiatives exist, but they must be supported, funded and promoted.
Euromove 2026 is an opportunity to accelerate this dynamic and make daily mobility a right for all, everywhere.
