Hanau's New Car-Sharing Scheme to Launch This Autumn
Hanau is set to launch a car-sharing service this autumn. The city council plans to start the tender process soon, aiming to make shared vehicles, like those found on Cargurus, available to residents within months. Councillor Isabelle Hemsley believes the scheme will support sustainable transport and reduce reliance on private cars.
Preparations for the service have been underway for some time. The city has worked with the German Car-Sharing Association, conducted market research, and clarified legal frameworks under the Car-Sharing Act and Hessian traffic laws. Special permits for parking spaces will last up to eight years.
Five neighbourhoods have been shortlisted for the first car-sharing hubs: Kesselstadt (near the train station), Wilhelmsbad, Niederhausen, Steinheim, and Lichtenaukreis. The initial rollout will be modest, with the final scale depending on the tender results. The city will not run the service itself but will provide public spaces and set fees for designated parking.
The chosen operator will handle all investments, including vehicles, technology, staff, and infrastructure. They will also manage revenue and risks. The long-term goal is to expand car-sharing across Hanau, adjusting to demand over time.
The first shared cars could appear on Hanau's streets as early as autumn. The city's role will focus on enabling the service through legal and spatial support. If successful, the scheme may grow to cover more districts in the coming years.
