Worldline: Pioneering Payment Solutions for Shared Mobility in Europe

02 / 12 / 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban transport, Worldline has emerged as a leading payment services provider, firmly establishing itself as a key player in the shared mobility sector. As urbanization accelerates and the demand for sustainable transport solutions intensifies, Worldline is at the forefront, integrating advanced payment technologies to enhance the shared mobility experience.

2 min.

A person using a smartphone to scan the QR code on the bicycle to unlock the bicycle

A recent market study forecasts that the shared mobility market will experience remarkable growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.65% from 2023 to 2030 1. This surge is hardly surprising, given the proliferation of various shared mobility services in our cities, ranging from bikes and e-scooters to cars and cargo bikes, as well as lockers and more. Initially, this growth appeared somewhat chaotic; however, transport authorities have since taken steps to organise these services, akin to public transport, through contracts and regulations. This transformation is reshaping our urban environments, presenting challenges related to space and the coexistence of cars, shared mobility options, and pedestrians. The market study also revealed that in Europe, among the 311 above 100,00 inhabitants’ cities:

  • 70,7% have at least one bike-sharing scheme,
  • 74,9% have at least one​ car-sharing scheme​,
  • 61,4% have at least one​ scooter-sharing scheme

(1) Source: Insights into the Shared Mobility Market Evolution [2023-2030]: Examining Trends and Forecasts | Linkedin

The mobility-sharing schemes are becoming predominant in major European cities.

One defining characteristic of shared mobility users is their youth, predominantly comprising the so-called "Y" generation. Consequently, these clients seek the simplest and most efficient payment methods, favouring mobile solutions and one-click payments. However, the use cases for shared mobility extend beyond merely scanning a QR code on an e-scooter to ride. The journey began with shared bikes, where users would input their card details at a kiosk to unlock a bike. At Worldline, we have revolutionised this process by transforming card-present transactions into recurring eCommerce transactions for future use.

Additionally, we have developed a dedicated solution for bike lockers, allowing users to book a locker online and access it with their bank card, which is also used for payment. This evolution in shared mobility necessitates that payment scenarios keep pace, ensuring we better serve clients while minimising risks for merchants.​

 Our payment solutions are deployed across major cities in Europe. Whether you are riding in London, Brussels, Paris, or in Spanish cities like Madrid, Valencia, or Sevilla, our payment systems are in place to facilitate these services. In 2023 alone, Worldline processed over 32 million transactions, amounting to a merchant value of 188 million euros, supported by more than 3,000 payment terminals in the field.

Worldline offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions tailored for various shared mobility services, including car-sharing, bike-sharing, and public transport. By leveraging our expertise in digital payments, we enable seamless transactions for users, allowing effortless access to mobility services. As Europe continues to embrace shared mobility, Worldline's expertise positions it as a leader in the payment landscape. Our innovative solutions and strategic partnerships are paving the way for a more connected and sustainable urban transport ecosystem.

In conclusion, Worldline's commitment to enhancing payment solutions for shared mobility reflects our understanding of the evolving needs of urban populations. By prioritising convenience, security, and integration, Worldline is not only transforming the payment experience but also contributing to the future of sustainable mobility in Europe.