The Valencia metropolitan area is experiencing an unprecedented mobility crisis. Tens of thousands of cars were destroyed, the metro network became completely unusable, and numerous roads were blocked, leaving many citizens without suitable options for transportation. Those who have them face journeys that used to take a few minutes but now take forever.

Why is it important?. Valencian startup GuruWalk, a community free tours‘Anem!’ published (‘Let’s go!’ in Valencian) is a free car-sharing platform that aims to alleviate the traffic chaos in the region after the floods on 29 October. Some kind of local non-profit BlaBlaCar.

in numbers:

• 650 trips were recorded in the first 20 hours.
• 1,200 registered users.
• It is estimated that between 90,000 and 100,000 vehicles were damaged due to DANA.
• 8.6 million passengers in Metrovalencia in September.

How does it work?:

1. Drivers post their routes and available seats.
2. Passengers indicate the route they must complete.
3. A map shows supply and demand in real time.
4. Coordination between travelers is done via phone or WhatsApp.
5. The service is free.

between the lines. The initiative is much more than just a temporary solution to a major problem: it is an example of how technology and citizen collaboration can provide a rapid response to a crisis that exceeds normal public services.

Although the platform does not charge commission or manage payments, it suggests that passengers not directly affected by the floods are sharing gas costs with drivers; This is especially important considering how long journeys have become in terms of time and mileage due to numerous interruptions and detours.

in perspective. ‘Anem!’ It’s a good example of how a local tech company can quickly direct its resources to respond to an emergency on its site. GuruWalk refocused its team’s efforts to develop this solution in record time.

Now the platform will continue to evolve according to the needs of the users, the important thing was to offer a product with minimum functionality as soon as possible. While roads and public transport are being renovated, something that will take a long time is ‘Anem!’ This is an alternative for Valencians who want to get around a metropolitan area that has become a nightmare.

Featured image | X4M0 000 on Unsplash, Xataka via Mockuuups Studio

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