Lille, France is trying an unusual method to unclog its streets and highways by paying people €2 for each trip they don't make by car during rush hours. The bonus can be earned by carpooling, taking transit or working from home.
The 'éconobus' scheme launched last week as a nine-month pilot. The idea is to relieve traffic congestion on the A1 and A23 motorways during the morning and evening rush hour, and also lower air pollution levels. Authorities say they expect 600 fewer cars per day on the A1 during rush hour, and 300 fewer on the A23.
Sébastien Le Prêtre, vice-president of the Lille metropolitan area, said: "We won't be the first in Europe to introduce it, since our source of inspiration is the Netherlands, where the scheme has proved its effectiveness. But we'll be the first metropolis in France to embark on this experiment." Around 3,000 volunteers are already signed up to the pilot scheme.
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