The Mobility Factor (TMF) is a European Cooperative Society that empowers local citizen communities with knowledge, tools and resources to implement modern mobility solutions. TMF seeks to tackle car dependency and high carbon emissions, in turn focusing on community-driven, environmentally friendly mobility alternatives. Thanks to the platform, TMF empowers local initiatives to create self-sustaining, green mobility systems while promoting social and economic solidarity.

The project is worthwhile as a best practice case study in social economy as it showcases the following: 

• democratic governance: the choices are taken collectively;
• local empowerment: access is provided to advanced mobility technology for small cooperatives;
• sustainability: reduction of emissions and dependency on private vehicles;
• scalable model: adaptable to various global contexts.

This case study demonstrates how a cooperative model can act as powerful agents of change by developing innovative solutions that balance economic solidarity with environmental goals, proving that sustainable practices can coexist with community-focused economic models.  

TMF was born out of a collaboration between three citizens’ cooperatives in Europe. They met via the REScoop.eu Mobility Network. By joining forces, they were able to share electric cars with their members. Today the TMF’s consists of 21 cooperatives across five different countries (Spain, UK, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany). TMF takes care of all the aspects of the platform (development, design and maintenance) and it configures it to the member's needs.   
   
TMF addresses the economic challenge of making advanced car-sharing technologies accessible to small cooperatives and small communities that lack the resources to develop them on their own. Some of these associations face barriers due to lack of affordability of technological solutions. 

By enabling small local initiatives to implement community-driven solutions, the goal is not only to empower small actors but also to pursue sustainable transportation, decreasing carbon emissions and fostering greener urban environments.  

TMF provides a comprehensive digital platform that empowers local cooperatives and organisations to implement and manage car-sharing systems effectively. This platform includes digital tools to facilitate vehicle booking, management and access.  TMF works as a cooperative, so its members own and govern the platform, ensuring that decisions align with shared values of sustainability and inclusivity.

“Technology as a Service” is a way that aids small cooperatives to compete with commercial providers while promoting sustainable transportation.  The technology is scalable and customisable, so the cooperatives can adapt it to their different needs. TMF introduces a cooperative digital mobility platform challenging the dominance of commercial car-sharing providers.    

Find out in more detail how TMF can support your car-sharing project.