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Via and SamTrans Launch On-Demand Public Transportation in Pacifica, California

Published May 6, 2019 7:00 am, Via NYC
Via and SamTrans Launch On-Demand Public Transportation in Pacifica, California
The new partnership with SamTrans brings another shared, on-demand service powered by Via to the San Francisco Bay area.

May 6, 2019 (Pacifica, CA) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in the San Francisco Bay Area, operated in partnership with public transportation leader SamTrans. The new service brings corner-to-corner shuttle service to Pacifica, California.

Starting May 6, SamTrans will offer on-demand shared transportation within the coverage area for the standard SamTrans fare. The new on-demand service replaces the fixed-route FLX Pacifica bus service, offering customers a more convenient public transportation solution.

SamTrans OnDemand is powered by Via’s advanced algorithm, which enables multiple riders to seamlessly share a single vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby corner — a virtual bus stop — for pick up and drop off, and dynamically routes the vehicle in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

“Via’s powerful technology is redefining mobility across the globe, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide on-demand dynamic transportation solutions,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We are delighted to be partnering with SamTrans to help Pacifica lead the way in mobility innovation through the launch of this convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly service.”

SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority.

“SamTrans OnDemand is an innovative service that will better serve Pacifica residents by providing a flexible and affordable transportation option,” said SamTrans Chief Planning Officer April Chan. “If this way of delivering service works well, we hope to extend this to other neighborhoods in San Mateo County that can take advantage of this service.”

“Pacifica has unique challenges regarding transportation that result in congested roads and needless stress,” said Pacifica Mayor Sue Vaterlauss. “SamTrans OnDemand offers an alternative that will appeal to students, seniors and people that want options beyond owning a car.”

SamTrans OnDemand allows riders to request a trip through an iOS or Android app operated by Via, or through the SamTrans Customer Service Call Center. Once a trip is booked, a shuttle is routed to the pickup location and can be tracked through the app in real-time.

Via has been tapped by cities and transportation players around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via now has more than 70 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

DC Government Launches New Ride Sharing Program to Transport Employees

Published May 9, 2019 2:39 pm, Via NYC
DC Government Launches New Ride Sharing Program to Transport Employees
District Government Employees can now book rides for official District business through Via, with ride expenses billed electronically to their agency.

May 9, 2019 (Washington, DC) — The Department of Public Works (DPW) recently announced a new partnership with Via to provide District government employees with a new ride sharing service. The ride sharing program minimizes the need for employees to use DC Government vehicles, eliminating maintenance, fuel, and acquisition costs. The program will also reduce fleet operating costs by nearly 20 percent from the resulting per mile rate, while also contributing towards a cleaner environment.

“We know from our previous pilot that an on-demand ride-sharing service is the fastest and most efficient way for our employees to travel for work-related activities,” said DPW Acting Director Chris Geldart. “Via is the best fit for our agencies’ needs and will result in a significant cost savings for the District over our previous fleet sharing options, whether leased or owned vehicles.”

DPW, together with the Department of for Hire Vehicles (DFHV), executed a
pilot with the local taxi cab companies to determine if ride sharing was a
viable option for transporting District government employees. This pilot
successfully ran from June 2017 until April 2018. More than 2,100 rides were
completed with 27 different agencies participating in the pilot. After a
successful pilot, DPW decided to create this as a permanent program for
District employees and Via was selected after a competitive bid process.

To use DPW’s new Vehicle on Demand service, employees simply
download the Via app designed for their iPhone
or Android
device, register for an account and then use it as they would any app-based private driver
service.

“We are delighted to partner with the Department of Public Works to provide an efficient and cost-effective way for employees to travel around the city,” said Alex Lavoie, Via U.S. General Manager. “Via’s vision is to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions here in D.C. and around the globe.”

About Via

About DPW

DPW is a nationally recognized leader in sustainable government fleet management practices. It maintains and fuels more than 3,000 vehicles and continuously explores options to help the nation’s capital reach its goal to reduce carbon emissions.

Via Announces Expansion to Evanston and West Chicago

Published April 29, 2019 9:00 am, Via NYC
Via Announces Expansion to Evanston and West Chicago
The shared ride provider continues to widen its reach in the Greater Chicago area

Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand shared ride services, has expanded its Chicago-area service. Via will now be available in Evanston as well as Hermosa, Humboldt Park and Mayfair. The expansion will see the Chicago-area service zone increase by more than 20%.

“At Via, our goal is to eliminate the need for private car ownership by providing affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly on-demand shared transportation that can seamlessly integrate into existing public transit infrastructure” said Alex Lavoie, US General Manager of Via. “We’re delighted to be expanding in Chicago, providing greater access for the students, residents, and workers in these communities.”

All shared rides within Evanston will be a low $3 flat fare. Via aims to be a key first-and-last mile solution for the commuter-heavy suburb, connecting residents and commuters to rail stations without the need for a personal vehicle.

Using the Via app, passengers select their pick up and drop off location and confirm their ride. Via’s smart algorithm enables multiple riders to seamlessly share a single vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby corner – a virtual bus stop – for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours that take riders out of their way. This enables Via’s system to transport a high volume of passengers while using a fraction of the number of vehicles utilized by taxis or on-demand car services. By grouping multiple passengers into a single shared vehicle, Via reduces congestion and emissions, providing an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and convenient transportation alternative.

In the United States, Via operates services in New York, Chicago, Washington DC. Via has also been tapped by cities and transit authorities in the United States and around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network, including partnerships in Arlington Texas, West Sacramento California, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Via has more than 50 deployments in more than 15 countries around the world.

About Via:

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform currently operates in the United States, and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation.

Via Launches On-Demand Public Transit in Tel Aviv

Published April 14, 2019 3:00 am, Via NYC
Via Launches On-Demand Public Transit in Tel Aviv
The new service, bubble, marks Via’s first deployment in Israel.

April 14, 2019 (Tel Aviv, Israel) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced today its first deployment in Israel. Developed in partnership with public transit operator Dan Transportation the new service, bubble, aims to increase mobility and reduce traffic congestion in Tel Aviv and the surrounding cities of Ramat Gan and Givatayim. The service will begin on April 15.

“We are delighted to partner with the innovative team at Dan to bring Via’s technology to Tel Aviv, a city that Via already calls home to hundreds of engineering and technology jobs,” said Oren Shoval, co-founder and CTO of Via. “Our powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm enables our technology to seamlessly integrate into the existing public transit infrastructure providing a congestion reducing, convenient, and affordable way to get around.”

The service is part of a pilot program initiated by the Israeli Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transportation that seeks to explore how dynamic, on-demand mobility solutions can integrate with public transit to relieve Israel’s congestion issues.

Using the bubble app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules. The service will launch with a fleet of 40 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The number of vans will rapidly increase to 100 by May 2019.

Ride fares are set at a flat NIS 15 (USD $4.14) during rush hour and just NIS 12.5 (USD $3.44) the remaining time, a significantly less expensive option than taking your own private car especially when considering parking costs. Riders can also choose to purchase a bubble pass, which discounts 10 rides even further to NIS 12 regardless of the time of day. Senior citizens are eligible for an additional 50 percent discount.

Via has been tapped by cities and transportation players around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via now has more than 60 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via

Via Goes Exclusively Shared for Earth Day

Published April 17, 2019 5:22 pm, Via NYC
Via Goes Exclusively Shared for Earth Day
The company encourages everyone to ditch single-occupancy trips for shared transportation

April 17, 2019– Via, the leading provider and
developer of on-demand shared mobility, is encouraging everyone to take a stand
against congestion and carbon emissions this Earth Day by turning off its
private ride feature and exclusively offering shared rides on April 22.

“At Via we have always believed that we’re smarter
together, that everyone wins when you share your ride,” said Daniel Ramot,
Via’s co-founder and CEO. “Via’s sophisticated passenger matching algorithms
allows us to utilize every seat in the vehicle. By moving more people with
fewer cars, we reduce congestion and emissions and ensure that drivers spend
less time cruising around empty.”

If just one commuter made the switch to taking shared
rides to-and-from work instead of single-occupancy vehicle trips, his or her
carbon footprint would be reduced by the same amount as planting 17 trees.
Similarly, if 1,500 New Yorkers decided to take the same action, the amount of
CO2 saved would be more than equivalent to the number of trees in Central Park.
This Earth Day, Via encourages everyone to make the switch from
single-occupancy to shared, and encourages other transportation providers to
offer exclusively shared rides for the day.

Via’s smart algorithm enables multiple riders to
seamlessly share a single vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers
to a nearby corner – a virtual bus stop – for pick up and drop off, allowing
for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours that take riders
out of their way. This enables Via’s system to transport a high volume of
passengers while using a fraction of the number of vehicles utilized by other
on-demand car services, which reduces traffic and carbon emissions. Via is also
developing routing and fleet management technology to power entirely electric vehicle
fleets.

Via has been tapped by cities and transportation
players around the world to help find green solutions to cut down on private
vehicle usage. Via now has more than 60 launched and pending deployments in
more than 15 countries, including partnerships with some of the world’s biggest
public transit agencies such as Los Angeles Metro, Singapore’s Land
Transportation Authority, Transport for London, and Berlin’s Berliner
Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).

Via’s Shared Stats:

–The most passengers picked up in one consecutive trip without ever having an empty car = 30

–Via passengers share their ride with at least one other person more than 85% of the time during peak hours when congestion is at its worst

–In 2018 alone, New Yorkers saved more than $90M by riding shared instead of private

–Riders in New York have saved more than 22M pounds of CO2 and 29M vehicle miles by riding shared as compared to riding private

–The TLC reported in 2018 that Via has the highest utilization rate of any for-hire vehicle service in New York City.

About Via:

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform currently operates in the United States, and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation.

Via and King County Metro Deploy Microtransit Service Connecting Seattle and Tukwila Residents to Public Transit

Published April 16, 2019 2:00 pm, Via NYC
Via and King County Metro Deploy Microtransit Service Connecting Seattle and Tukwila Residents to Public Transit
The new first- and last-mile service will support five major Sound Transit Link light rail stations

April 16, 2019 (Seattle, WA) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced today a new microtransit deployment in Seattle, Washington aiming to connect more residents to public transportation. In partnership with King County Metro, Sound Transit and the City of Seattle, the new service brings on-demand connections to five transit hubs, offering first- and last-mile service in southeast Seattle and Tukwila at no additional charge.

Starting April 16, Via will offer service to five Sound Transit Link light rail stations: Mount Baker, Columbia City, Othello, Rainier Beach, and Tukwila International Boulevard. Customers also have the choice to hop on board one of the many Metro bus routes that connect to the Link light rail stations, further connecting the residents of King County.

“Via’s technology is redefining mobility across the globe, and we are thrilled to partner with King County Metro, an innovation-forward agency, to provide residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing dynamic transportation alternative,” said Daniel Ramot, Co-founder and CEO of Via. “Via’s powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm is the solution to solving the first-and-last mile challenge, seamlessly integrating into the existing public transit infrastructure to connect residents to transit hubs in their communities.”

The year-long pilot project is partly funded by $2.7 million from the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Benefit District. Sound Transit also successfully applied for a Mobility on Demand Sandbox grant from the Federal Transit Administration to test the effectiveness of providing on-demand ride-share connections to transit stations.

“We are making it more convenient than ever to hop on board our high-capacity regional transit system,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The on-demand service we are bringing to southeast Seattle and Tukwila reflects our commitment to outstanding customer service, making it easy to take transit to work, school, or play, and back home again.”

Commuters, students, and visitors can download the Via app or call 206-258-7739 to book a ride. All ORCA public transportation passes are accepted upon boarding Via vehicles and will automatically apply as a transfer toward a Metro bus or Link light rail trip. Standard Metro fares apply.

Via to Transit will make it more convenient for customers to connect with the region’s growing transit system. On-demand services like this make it easier for commuters who do not own a car or prefer not to drive and park, live within a long walking distance of a transit hub, or can’t find open spaces at park-and-rides to take transit.

Via has been tapped by cities and transportation players around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via now has more than 60 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via

Via Announces Strategic Partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Mori Building Company

Published April 14, 2019 10:00 pm, Via NYC
Via Announces Strategic Partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Mori Building Company
The new partnership allows for dramatic growth of on-demand mobility in Japan

April 15, 2019 (Tokyo, Japan) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced today a strategic partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Mori Building Company. Following on the heels of the August 2018 launch of HillsVia, a commuter service for Mori employees, the new partnership will allow Via to rapidly expand its dynamic, on-demand transportation solutions and solve pressing transit issues across Japan.

“We are delighted for ITOCHU and Mori Building to join us as strategic partners and investors,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “ITOCHU’s bold vision to transform consumer experiences and mobility infrastructure and Mori Building’s success in innovating urban living make both companies invaluable partners as we work to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions in Japan.”

Via is able to seamlessly integrate with existing fixed-route transportation infrastructure, helping to fill in gaps where existing transit isn’t easily accessible. Via’s technology efficiently works to aggregate multiple passengers into shared vehicles, reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, thus improving traffic congestion and curtailing carbon emissions. The easy-to-use mobile interface is suited to riders of all ages, including the elderly.

As one of the country’s largest general trading companies, ITOCHU has a deep understanding of the Japanese consumer market, leading the pack when it comes to investing in transformative technologies like Via that will both innovate transportation and solve local governments’ most pressing issues. Via’s technology and operational experience is uniquely suited to the Japanese market, where Via operates as Via Japan.

“We are excited to partner with Via to support a more convenient transportation system in Japan,” said Shunsuke Noda, ITOCHU Chief Digital & Information Officer. “We believe that Via’s cutting-edge solution will be widely accepted in the Japanese market through strategic partnerships with existing transportation operators.”

Leading Tokyo-based urban developer Mori Building began its partnership with Via in August 2018, developing the on-demand mobility HillsVia solution for travel between Mori Building properties, such as Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills. Using the Via-powered HillsVia mobile app, Mori Building employees can book rides in high-end V-Class vans provided by Mercedes-Benz to move amongst the properties. The program confirmed that Via’s solutions can be successfully applied to Japanese business customs and traffic conditions.

“Through our trial of HillsVia since last summer, we have experienced the usefulness of Via’s unique algorism for urban lifestyle. Via’s solution will contribute to solving the problems of urban transportation such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution,” said Masahiko Ogasawara, a Director & Executive Managing Officer for Mori Building. “This service will improve city life by increasing transportation options in urban areas.”

In partnership with ITOCHU and Mori Building, Via aims to provide Japanese transportation companies and drivers with new technology that will both improve their organizational profitability, as well as solve social problems throughout Japan.

Via has been tapped by cities and transit authorities in more than 60 markets in 15 countries around the world, including several deployments in Asia. In addition to Mori’s corporate shuttle system, Via also powers a public transportation network to transform Angot in Indonesia in cooperation with PT. Teknologi Rancang Olah Nusantara (affiliated with Digiasia Bios), and two on-demand bus services in Singapore, including one with Singapore’s Land Transportation Authority. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via

About ITOCHU Corporation

With 110 offices in 63 countries, ITOCHU, one of the leading sogo shosha, engages in domestic trading, import/export and overseas trading of various products such as textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, and finance, as well as business investment in Japan and overseas. ITOCHU Corporation was founded by Chubei Itoh in 1858 and now employs 4,380 people globally.

About Mori Building Company

Mori Building is an innovative urban developer based in Tokyo. The company is committed to maximizing the magnetic power of cities by creating and nurturing safe, sustainable and cosmopolitan urban centers based on its unique Vertical Garden City concept of high-rise centers for business, education, leisure and residence. The concept is applied in the company’s many leading-edge projects, including ARK Hills, Omotesando Hills, Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills in Tokyo and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Mori Building is also engaged in real estate leasing, project management and consultation. Please visit www.mori.co.jp/en

Bekasi and Via Launch TRON to Transform Riding Angkot in Indonesia

Published April 9, 2019 11:00 pm, Via NYC
Bekasi and Via Launch TRON to Transform Riding Angkot in Indonesia
The new ridesharing deployment will launch in March near Jakarta, beginning with 150 vehicles

April 10, 2019 (Bekasi, Indonesia) — Residents of Bekasi will soon be served by the next generation of Angkot as PT. Teknologi Rancang Olah Nusantara introduces TRON, a new form of on-demand public transportation. Launching on April 10, TRON is developed in partnership with Via, the world’s leading provider of on-demand shared mobility solutions.

TRON is a new mobile application that allows users to request a 15 person shared van in real-time, similar to those used for Angkot. After registration, riders request their travel and are directed to a nearby virtual pickup point indicated in the application. The new service will begin with 150 vehicles, giving riders a fully dynamic new way to travel around Bekasi.

“With TRON in Bekasi, we are confident that we will give a new experience in riding public transportation,” said TRON CEO David Santoso. “This new service powered by Via is a great way to encourage people to ride public transportation.”

The vehicles hailed by the TRON mobile app will run in two zones — one along the former K-11 route that was divided into three routes, and another along the former K-12 route. The K-11 service will run from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the K-12 will operate from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Each trip is a fixed-fee, costing riders just 5000 rupiah.

“People in Bekasi no longer need to walk a long distance to search for Angkot because TRON provides on-demand booking and efficient routing, making it possible for Angkot drivers to pick up riders much closer to their homes and taking them on a more direct route to their destinations,” said Santoso.

Via’s advanced algorithms enable multiple riders to seamlessly share a vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby corner — a virtual bus stop — for pick up and drop off, and dynamically routes the vehicle in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

“We are delighted to partner with the innovative city of Bekasi to bring Via’s technology to Indonesia,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “Via’s vision is to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions globally, and the TRON service demonstrates how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter.”

Via has been tapped by cities and transportation players around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via now has more than 60 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About TRON

Aplikasi TRON adalah produk dari PT. Teknologi Rancang Olah Nusantara dan merupakan afiliasi dari Digiasia Bios. TRON merupakan aplikasi ride sharing yang saat ini dapat digunakan untuk naik Angkot di Bekasi dengan layanan pembayaran non tunai yang disediakan oleh KasPro.

The TRON application is a product by PT. Teknologi Rancang Olah Nusantara and affiliated by Digiasia Bios. TRON is a ride sharing application that currently can be used to ride City Transport (Angkot) in Bekasi with cashless payment service provided by KasPro.
About Via
Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

Via Enters South American Market with CityBus 2.0 Deployment in Brazil

Published February 20, 2019 12:01 am, Via NYC
Via Enters South American Market with CityBus 2.0 Deployment in Brazil
Via, the world’s leading developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced today the first deployment of its technology in South America. Developed in partnership with HP Transportes Coletivos in Goiânia, CityBus 2.0 marks Via’s first public transportation partnership in Brazil, beginning service on Feb. 11.

The CityBus 2.0 launch makes Goiânia the first city in Latin America to introduce a fully flexible on-demand shuttle system operated by a public transit operator. HP is notably one of Brazil’s largest public transit operators, managing 900 buses for the 2 million residents in Goiânia and Brasília, through the consortium that includes Urbi Mobility. Together, they carry 8 million passengers a month.

Through its partnership with Via, users can use an app to request a ride in nine districts around the city. Within the first week of service, more than 15,000 users downloaded the CityBus 2.0 app. Via’s advanced algorithms enable multiple riders to seamlessly share a single vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby corner — a virtual bus stop — for pick up and drop off, and dynamically routes the vehicle in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

The fleet of 14-seater Mercedes-Benz vans are capable of handling up to 3,500 trips per day, employing a workforce of 30 drivers. By grouping multiple passengers into a single shared vehicle, CitBus 2.0 helps to reduce congestion and emissions in Goiânia, providing an inexpensive and eco-friendly transportation alternative to congestion-causing private car ownership and single-occupancy vehicle trips.

“We are thrilled to partner with the innovative team at HP to bring Via’s technology to Brazil,” said Daniel Ramot, CEO and Co-Founder of Via. “The CityBus 2.0 service shows how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter. The residents of Goiânia now have a comfortable, convenient, and affordable way to move around. This is truly a great example of a city embracing the future of mobility.”

In its first phase, the CityBus 2.0 will operate Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in eleven city districts: Central Sector, South Sector, Jardim Goiás, University Sector, Leste Vila Nova, Bueno Sector, West Sector, Nova Suíça, Airport Sector, Marista and Bela Vista Sector. Base fares start at R$ 2.50 — or $0.68 USD — and is variable for the distance traveled. When a rider places the request, the application immediately calculates the distance and shows the fare. Payment can be made by credit card or cash.

“We all have responsibility for reducing traffic and this is fundamental to the urgent changes that need to happen in the system,” says HP Transportes Executive Director Indiara Ferreira. “The eyes need to be geared towards the prioritization of the collective public transporting and investing in innovation to promote transit ridership.”

Via has been tapped by cities and transit authorities in the United States and around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via now has more than 50 launched and pending deployments in in more than 15 countries. Most recently, Via has launched on-demand transit services in Arlington, TX; Sydney, Australia; West Sacramento, CA; Berlin, Germany and Los Angeles, CA. Via is aiming to expand further in Latin America and is in active discussions with cities throughout the region. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via

About HP Transportes Coletivos

Created in 1969, the company operates in the public transportation segment in the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia. Currently, HP Transportes offers more than 2,200 trips per day, transporting 130,000 passengers per day, on the 136 shared lines that serve the Southern Arc of the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia that includes Goiânia, Aparecida de Goiânia, Hidrolândia and Aragoiânia, traveling more than 65,000km/day. The company employs 1,100 direct employees and generates approximately 4,000 indirect jobs. HP Transportes has accumulated awards over the years that certify its excellence in management. Participatory management focused on customer satisfaction, which has been awarded by ANTP, Goiás Competitive Movement; Goiás Award for Environmental Management by FIEG; and quality of life at work for the respect and actions it develops with its employees, granted by Sodexo, among others. HP is also part of the consortium which includes Urbi Mobility Urban, one of Brasília’s public transport operators, and also has a shared services center, SiAN, both created in 2014.

Via and LA Metro Launch Pilot Program to Evolve Public Transit in Los Angeles

Published January 28, 2019 1:30 pm, Via NYC
Via and LA Metro Launch Pilot Program to Evolve Public Transit in Los Angeles
Via’s shared ride technology will provide first-and-last mile solutions for three key LA areas

Via, the world’s leading developer of on-demand shared transit solutions, and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), launch today a pilot program that provides first-and-last mile solutions for public transportation in Los Angeles County. The service utilizes Via’s sophisticated algorithm to dynamically route shared vehicles to-and-from three busy Metro stations– Compton (Artesia), El Monte and North Hollywood. The value of the year-long pilot between Via and Metro is $2.5M, which is funded in part by a $1.35M grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

“Via’s technology is redefining mobility across the globe, and we are thrilled to partner with LA Metro, an innovation-forward agency, to provide residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing dynamic transportation alternative,” said Daniel Ramot, CEO and co-founder of Via. “Via’s powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm is the solution to solving the first-and-last mile challenge, seamlessly integrating into the existing public transit infrastructure to connect residents to transit hubs in their communities.”

“This innovative pilot program will give riders another glimpse into LA’s comprehensive future transportation system. Many Metro users face a challenge getting from home to station and vice versa,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Sheila Kuehl. “They need a quick, easy, and inexpensive door-to-door solution and this new pilot is one to consider.”

How it works:

Using the Via app, or a dedicated phone line for users without access to a smartphone, passengers in the three pilot zones will select their pickup and drop-off locations and confirm their ride. All trips must start or end at the Metro station in the zone. Via’s smart algorithm enables multiple riders to seamlessly share a single vehicle by directing passengers to a nearby corner – a virtual bus stop – allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours that take riders out of their way. This enables Via’s system to transport a high volume of passengers while using a fraction of the number of vehicles utilized by taxis or on-demand car services. A standard trip costs just $1.75 for riders with a TAP card. LIFE participants– Metro’s low-income fare subsidy program– will ride for free. Those who do not provide a TAP number during account registration will ride for $3.75.

Metro designed the pilot to explore how dynamic, on-demand transportation technology can solve a range of mobility challenges. The main goal of the pilot is to extend the benefits of traditional on-demand services to a wider audience by making the service affordable, equitable and accessible. Via accepts by credit, debit or pre-paid cards for unbanked riders. Rides can be booked through Via’s app or call center for riders without smartphones, also providing translation services for non-English speakers. Passengers with additional mobility needs will be able to request an accessible vehicle.

The partnership with Metro follows on the heels of several new deployments of Via’s technology around the world. From Singapore, where Via recently launched a dynamic, on-demand public bus service in partnership with the Land Transportation Authority (LTA) to Arlington, TX where the city replaced its fixed bus line with a fleet of Via’s vehicles, Via now powers on-demand mobility in more than 30 markets around the globe.

“Our goal at Metro, as part of our Vision 2028 plan, is to provide high-quality mobility options for all riders, regardless of socioeconomic status or disability,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “This is an exciting partnership and we believe Mobility on Demand will offer a truly innovative, affordable and accessible service to L.A. County to better serve Metro riders’ first/last-mile needs.”

About Via:

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform currently operates in the United States, and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation.

About LA Metro:

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is unique among the nation’s transportation agencies. Created in 1993, Metro is a multimodal transportation agency that transports about 1.3 million passengers daily on a fleet of 2,200 clean air buses and six rail lines. The agency also oversees bus, rail, highway and other mobility-related building projects and leads transportation planning and programming for Los Angeles County.

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