Why choose the open source model for car sharing?

Caroster is a car-sharing project run by Octree, a startup studio whose raison d'être is clear: to build together the tools for ecological and social transition. With this in mind, we have chosen an open source model for Caroster, whose raison d'être is to build a common ground for shared mobility.

Caroster is a car-sharing project developed by Octree, a startup studio with a clear mission: to create tools at the service of the ecological and social transition. True to this vision, Caroster is based on an open source model to build a community dedicated to shared mobility.

Open source refers to a development model in which software code is publicly accessible, freely modifiable and redistributable.

Caroster is licensed under AGPLv3, which means it can be copied and used freely in any other project. However, any modifications must also be published under the same open source license so that everyone can benefit from them.

Why this choice? Because, in our view, the open source model is the best way to respond collectively to the challenges of sustainable mobility.

Working with collective intelligence

We don't believe in perfect solutions, but in continuous improvement. That's why adjustments to Caroster are always welcome. We invite you to seize it, adapt it, improve it and contribute to the project for the benefit of all.

Because the best ideas never come alone.

Creating a sustainable solution

Publishing the code as open source gives us the assurance that anyone can take over the project, but that it will remain free and autonomous. It's a way of guaranteeing that the work accomplished will remain a common good, at the service of all the people and organizations who want to make use of it.

Because the project will outlive us, and every contribution helps the project move forward.

Adapting to any context

Every region, every association, every company has its own constraints and opportunities. The Caroster code can be adopted, adapted and integrated into other services. As long as the improvements are shared under the same conditions, everyone wins.

Because a truly useful mobility tool needs to be shaped by users, with their realities in mind.

Acting together rather than individually

In the face of environmental challenges, it makes no sense to own a mobility solution. What we need to build are shared, free and scalable tools, to pool efforts and act together, rather than individually. The more we work together, the more we'll achieve significant change.

Because there are plenty of cars on the road, but we only have one planet, join the Caroster community to rethink responsible, social and low-carbon mobility together.

Building together, beyond Caroster

Other open-source alternatives exist, and we exchange ideas with a view to creating synergies, because we value cooperation over competition.

Examples of other open-source mobility projects: mobicoop, openstreetmap, cartes, la fabrique des mobilités.

💡 Caroster is also a digital mobility commons. To find out more about what the commons are, go here: Discover the commons.

- Mathilde for Caroster