A women-only WhatsApp carpool group grew from 450 to 900 members in three days, at the height of the public transit crisis. Created in August 2023 by Orissa Lorne, it now has nearly 2,000 members. Rides are arranged in exchange for a contribution toward expenses. The founder manages the group on her own, on a volunteer basis.
Gas prices have surpassed two euros per liter, and public transportation is in crisis. Last month, at the height of this crisis, Orissa Lorne’s carpool group doubled in size in three days.
The group has been in existence since August 2023. «With no transportation available, a solution was needed,» explains its founder. According to her, women have a greater need for rides due to their social, professional, and personal responsibilities.
She heard many complaints from women in her circle. «I told myself, »I’m going to start a group. If it works, it works.’” The idea caught on.
A Matter of Safety
For its founder, the idea addresses a real need. «It’s a taboo subject, but women are vulnerable when they’re in the car with a stranger,» she says. «When you get into someone’s car, you don’t know what’s already on their mind.» The group offers them a sense of security.
A red and green map
Within the group, those offering a ride and those looking for one exchange routes and schedules, then work out the details. «It’s like a BlaBlaCar,» sums up Orissa Lorne. All the messaging features are used, including geolocation: drivers appear in green, and those requesting rides appear in red.
«When everyone plays along, the map of Martinique is dotted with red and green dots.»
— Orissa Lorne
Share the costs
Rides are provided in exchange for a contribution—a term Orissa Lorne is particular about. «There’s a monetary exchange, but two euros won’t cover the cost of gas. Each passenger and the driver contribute to the cost of the ride. » The goal isn’t to make money but to save it.
According to her, many people have taken advantage of the lack of public transportation to use the term «carpooling» «haphazardly.» She sees it as a system of mutual aid: “It’s not a system where someone earns a second income.”
Volunteer-led management
Nearly 2,000 members, and just one volunteer to manage the group: its founder. «People don’t realize how much of my own time I put into this. I get up very early and go to bed very late to repost everyone’s routes.»
Key Figures
- More than €2 : a liter of gasoline
- August 2023 : creation of the group
- 450 → 900 : members in three days, at the height of the transportation crisis
- Nearly 2,000 : members today
- 1 : volunteer to manage the group
Key Takeaways
- The WhatsApp carpool group created by Orissa Lorne is for women only.
- For its founder, it addresses a need: women's safety while commuting.
- Female drivers and passengers are coordinating via a messaging app, which includes geolocation features.
- Rides are provided in exchange for a contribution toward expenses, on a nonprofit basis.
Laurianne Nomel
