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Via Demonstrates the Future of Autonomous Vehicle Ridesharing at CES

Published January 7, 2019 9:00 am, Via NYC
Via Demonstrates the Future of Autonomous Vehicle Ridesharing at CES
Via, Comet Mobility and Aurrigo debut PodZero AV mobility project

Via, the leader in dynamic, on-demand shared ride technology, is building the operating system for mobility and the future of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), showcasing its smart solutions at CES 2019 alongside Aurrigo, Comet Mobility and an AI technology provider for AV demonstrations. AV technology is maturing, and Via is building and deploying solutions that will enable AVs to function in real-world situations as part of optimized, shared transportation systems. This is the first time Via’s AV technology and Aurrigo’s PodZero will be demonstrated together.

“We are delighted to showcase Via’s dynamic autonomous vehicle technology at CES with change-makers Aurrigo and Comet Mobility,” said Oren Shoval, co-founder and CTO of Via. “If autonomous vehicles are to reach their full potential for providing low-cost, efficient rides, they need to be shared by multiple passengers. Via’s sophisticated systems are able to power, in real-time, the movement of millions of connected autonomous shuttles and their passengers.”

Via has provided more than 45 million dynamically-routed rides around the globe, and has applied this experience in shared mobility to AVs. CES attendees can experience Via’s AV technology by booking a PodZero ride using the Via app at the on-site visitor center. Via will seamlessly book and route the autonomous vehicles on-demand, provide customers with a vehicle location and ETA, and use its advanced Augmented Reality (AR) functionality for easy identification.

Here’s how it works, all through Via’s mobile app:

The rider will select the number of passengers, pick-up and drop-off locations
The app will provide the rider with a notification of the next Aurrigo PodZero available, and an accurate ETA
The rider will receive updated ETAs and vehicle location during the wait
The rider will easily identify the Aurrigo PodZero upon arrival using Via’s AR technology, which displays a Via icon above the PodZero within the app

During the journey, visitors will be routed around a 1,500 ft. “cityscape” track to New York, the UK or Las Vegas in the South Platinum Parking Lot, while interacting with voice-activated technology. In addition to rider-focused AV technology, Via will also demonstrate its AV driver technology, including key functionalities that intelligently select the fastest routes for each shuttle using real-time traffic data from multiple sources; direct shuttles to optimal pick-up locations to avoid detours; and accurately predict how demand patterns will unfold throughout the day and smartly position shuttles to anticipate that demand.

“Deploying an efficient fleet of AVs for shared rides is no easy feat, and requires products that reach far beyond simply the ability to drive autonomously. Via’s technology has to replace all of the functions of the traditional driver — from helping riders board, to ensuring they have the right vehicle, to solving real-time issues in the vehicle, and acting as ‘eyes and ears’ on the road by reporting important changes like street closures,” said Shoval.

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 Sees A Shared Future, Starting with the NYC Congestion Surcharge

Published December 19, 2018 9:00 am, Via NYC
Via Sees A Shared Future, Starting with the NYC Congestion Surcharge
Via riders saved more than $90M in New York by sharing rides in 2018

Via, the leading provider of shared rides in New York City, sees the congestion surcharge, effective January 1, as the next step in a greater vision of shared mobility in New York and around the globe. The congestion surcharge increases consumer focus on how we commute, and the low cost of the surcharge for shared rides as compared to private is a recognition that shared rides are a key piece of working towards solving the issue of congestion in our cities– something Via has been committed to since day one.

In 2018 alone, Via riders in New York saved more than $90M and 9.2M pounds of CO2 by sharing rides versus traveling private. More than 400K Via routes this year in New York City had least 5 pickups, and 95% of our rides since launch in 2013 in New York are booked as shared, which is significant as compared to self-reported data from Uber (20%) and Lyft (35%) overall.

“We applaud New York for treating shared rides differently than private rides when it comes to the cost of the surcharge, and we at Via see this as the next step in a greater vision of shared mobility here at home and worldwide. In fact, cities are already using Via’s technology to power their own shared transit, helping to bridge the gap between public transportation and private vehicles, reducing single occupancy vehicles on the road,” said Daniel Ramot, CEO and co-founder of Via.

Via introduced its dynamic routing technology for efficient shared rides in 41 new markets in 2018, 38 of which were partnerships with cities and organizations committed to evolving mobility for their residents, employees or students, for example. From Singapore where Via recently launched a dynamic, on-demand public bus service to Arlington, TX where the city replaced its fixed bus line with a fleet of Via’s vehicles to LA where Via is launching a service with LA Metro early this year—this is a world in which Via is well-versed.

Via’s platform and technology were designed to make sharing work, and this is what has separated Via from its competitors from day one. In fact, the TLC reported in 2018 that Via has the highest utilization rate of any for-hire vehicle service in New York City, highlighting the congestion reducing benefits of Via’s shared platform built on the bedrock of efficient, dynamic routing and “virtual bus stops” that match passengers headed in the same direction into a shared vehicle. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) took note, as Via is the only ride hailing organization that has been actively working with the DOT in New York to address congestion through shared rides with Gridlock Alert Days.

About Via:

Via Deploys BusGo Service in Singapore with Land Transit Authority

Published December 17, 2018 4:08 pm, Via NYC
Via Deploys BusGo Service in Singapore with Land Transit Authority
The on-demand public bus project is now live for riders through a mobile app

Via, the world’s leading developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, has announced today the first public-sector deployment of its technology in Asia. Through a partnership with Singapore’s Land Transit Authority (LTA), a new on-demand public bus service, ‘BusGo’, will enable commuters in the Joo Koon area to hail a dynamically-routed LTA bus directly from their smartphone.

“Via’s powerful technology is seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure around the globe, from Berlin to New York, redefining the way people get around cities,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We have increasingly seen cities and towns ask how they can provide their residents with public transportation that radically improves the customer experience, and yet still achieves the same environmental and congestion-reducing benefits of existing mass transit. Via’s sophisticated on-demand shared transit technology is that solution, and we’re delighted to join forces with the LTA to launch this bold new service in Singapore.”

Riders will select their origins and destinations directly through the BusGo mobile app. Via’s advanced technology will direct passengers to a convenient bus stop for pickup and dropoff, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours that take riders out of their way. Riders will simply show the mobile boarding passes displayed in the BusGo app to board the bus.

How to Ride in Joo Koon:

Download the BusGo app: Apple or Android
Select a pickup and dropoff location in BusGo’s Joo Koon service area
BusGo will process your booking request in real-time and match an available bus to pick you up or advise if a regular public bus services can serve you better
The BusGo app will provide an accurate estimate of your bus arrival time before booking
Once a ride is selected, BusGo will direct you to the nearest pickup point to meet your bus, and track your bus in real-time
Show the mobile boarding pass displayed in the BusGo app to board the bus

The BusGo service will operate from 11 am-3 pm and 8:30-11:30 pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. Fares will be equivalent to a fixed bus distance of 3.2 km, regardless of the distance travelled. Distance-fare transfers and concession fares will continue to apply.

About Via

Via Launches New Rideshare Service in Auckland

Published November 6, 2018 5:10 pm, Via NYC
Via Launches New Rideshare Service in Auckland
Via, in partnership with Auckland Transport and Go Bus, has launched AT Local, an innovative rideshare service providing first-and-last mile connectivity in Devonport.

Three electric vans and three electric cars will be dynamically routed around the Devonport peninsula, transporting passengers to-and-from the local Devonport, Bayswater and Stanley Bay ferry terminals. AT Local aims to make the first-and-last leg of public transport journey easier, giving the people of Devonport even more options to connect to and use local ferry services.

“We are thrilled to partner with Auckland Transport to launch the first ever 100 percent electric on-demand shared transportation service in New Zealand. Via’s technology integrates with local public transport making it possible for residents to conveniently get around without a private car,” said Daniel Ramot, Via CEO and co-founder. “App-based mobility services provide consumers with reduced wait times, shorter trip durations, and a more comfortable ride experience, all with the enhanced benefit of reducing congestion-causing single-occupancy vehicle trips. I firmly believe this service will thrive in Devonport and can be rolled out to other parts of Auckland.”

For more information on Via’s partnership with Auckland Transport and Go Bus, visit:

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2018/11/new-rideshare-service-in-devonport/

Via Rides into Virginia with New Arlington County Service

Published October 29, 2018 9:00 am, Via NYC
Via Rides into Virginia with New Arlington County Service

Via, the world’s leading expert in on-demand shared transit, is excited to announce the extension of its DC service to Arlington County, Virginia.

Via first launched in Washington DC in August 2016 to support residents during SafeTrak repair work to the red line. The service has since grown to cover the entire District and has provided more than 1.5 million shared rides to date. The expansion into Arlington will extend Via’s affordable and convenient rides to this vibrant commercial, residential, and historical hub. Via plans to further extend operations to Reagan National Airport in the coming months.

Via’s world-renowned dynamic ride-pooling technology, developed initially for New York City, has powered more than 35 million shared rides globally throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

How it works:

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.

“Via’s powerful technology is seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure around the globe, redefining the way people get around cities,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We’re delighted to be expanding into Arlington, extending our convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing service to residents of Virginia.”

About Via

Via Selected for On-Demand Public Transport Study in Timaru, New Zealand

Published October 25, 2018 2:19 am, Via NYC
Via Selected for On-Demand Public Transport Study in Timaru, New Zealand
Via has been selected by Environment Canterbury for a feasibility study that will provide a new on-demand public transport service in Timaru, New Zealand. During the research period, Environment Canterbury will collaborate with Via and the Timaru District Council to understand the needs of the community, whose use of existing public transit systems has steadily declined, and create an on-demand solution best suited for the town based on the results.

“We are delighted to join forces with Environment Canterbury and the City of Timaru,” says Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We have increasingly seen cities and towns ask how they can provide their residents with public transportation that radically improves the customer experience, and yet still achieves the same benefits of existing public transport. Via’s sophisticated on-demand transit technology is that solution for many cities, and we are excited to take part in this study to demonstrate how on-demand transportation solutions can benefit Timaru.”

For more information on Via’s partnership with Environment Canterbury in Timaru, please visit:

https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2018/on-demand-public-transport-research-underway-in-timaru/

Via Awarded Second Phase of Contract to Provide On-Demand Public Bus Technology in Singapore

Published August 28, 2018 3:34 pm, Via NYC
Via Awarded Second Phase of Contract to Provide On-Demand Public Bus Technology in Singapore
Via, the world’s leading developer of dynamic shared ride technology, has been awarded the second phase of a contract to provide on-demand public bus (ODPB) technology in Singapore by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The six-month operational trial will leverage Via’s best-in-class ride matching and routing algorithm as well as the company’s extensive operational expertise to deliver more seamless and convenient bus journeys for commuters.

“Via’s powerful technology is seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure around the globe, redefining the way people move around their city,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We’re delighted to join forces with the LTA to launch this groundbreaking on-demand bus service in Singapore, providing commuters with a convenient and seamless smart transportation experience.”

The second phase of the project will see the development of custom technology localized for Singapore’s public bus commuters and drivers, as well as the deployment of the sophisticated back-end tools required to monitor and optimize the service. The six-month operational trial will be launched with selected services with low travel demand during off-peak hours from December 2018, with Via-led ODPB service leveraging Via’s cutting-edge technology and deep experience with highly efficient vehicle utilization. A local public bus operator will operate the service.

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. Most recently, Via has launched on-demand transit services in Arlington, TX, Queenstown, New Zealand, Newcastle, Australia and West Sacramento, CA, with operations in Berlin, Germany and Los Angeles, CA in 2018.

About Via

Rideshare study shows Via drivers earn the most in NYC

Published July 2, 2018 3:00 pm, Via NYC
Rideshare study shows Via drivers earn the most in NYC
With both the highest utilization and highest driver earnings, Via proves their shared rides model works for drivers and for cities

A report released today, commissioned by New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission, established Via as the industry leader when it comes to driver earnings and vehicle efficiency in New York City. Via driver partners are on average earning 43% more than Lyft drivers and 35% more than Uber drivers in the New York market. Via is the only rideshare company in the city to already have the vast majority of drivers on its platform earning well above the recommended $17.22 earnings floor, while achieving a record 70% utilization. Via drivers on average take home $21.73 per hour after expenses.

“At Via, we have always believed that our driver partners deserve fair earnings, which is why we are the only company in New York to offer drivers an hourly guarantee earnings model and the lowest commission in the industry. We are very pleased that our driver partners are already earning more than the amount recommended in this report,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “The Via system is designed to make sharing work; drivers are earning more money, and our highly efficient vehicle utilization helps to reduce congestion and emissions here in New York.”

In addition to leading the pack with regards to driver earnings, the report also highlighted that Via is outperforming competitors when it comes to utilization rates. High utilization means drivers are spending less of their working hours cruising while waiting for rides. This translates to both better earning potential for drivers and reduced congestion and emissions, as fewer empty cars are clogging the streets. Via’s 70% utilization rate demonstrates that when a platform is purpose-built to make shared rides work, everyone benefits.

Via looks forward to working with the TLC to continue to set the standard for FHV operations in New York and to encouraging more New Yorkers to ride responsibly and share.

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 and private transit operators, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation. For more information, visit www.ridewithvia.com.

Via brings on-demand shared mobility to Tokyo, partners with Mori Building to launch dynamic shuttle

Published July 31, 2018 9:00 pm, Via NYC
Via brings on-demand shared mobility to Tokyo, partners with Mori Building to launch dynamic shuttle
The Mori Building Company, a leading Tokyo-based urban developer, has tapped New York startup Via to launch an on-demand transit service in Tokyo, providing an innovative new transportation solution to urban areas.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mori to bring Via’s revolutionary technology to Japan. Via’s vision is to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions globally,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We are excited to introduce this new service which will improve the quality of life for Mori employees.”

Using the Via-powered HillsVia mobile app, Mori Building employees will be able to book a ride in high end V-Class vans provided by Mercedes-Benz. Via’s technology will seamlessly match multiple passengers headed in the same direction, and dynamically direct the vehicle in real time along an optimized, efficient route. The new service will initially be available to approximately 1,300 Mori Building employees.

Mori’s forward-thinking Tokyo service is the first in Japan to introduce Via’s dynamic on-demand shared rides. Via’s revolutionary technology powers transport solutions around the globe with projects throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and beyond. Leveraging its experience providing over 35 million shared rides to date, Via partners with public transportation authorities, transit operators, taxi fleets, and private companies around the world to solve local mobility needs for cities of all sizes.

Via’s technology and operational experience is uniquely suited to the Japanese market, where Via operates through its subsidiary Via Mobility Japan GK. Via is able to seamlessly integrate with existing fixed-route transportation infrastructure, helping to fill in gaps where existing transit isn’t easily accessible with a system that efficiently works to aggregate multiple passengers into shared vehicles, effectively reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips and thus improving traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions. The easy-to-use mobile interface is suited to riders of all ages, including the elderly.

“Via’s on-demand shuttle services, with their unique and efficient algorithms, will contribute to solving the problems of urban transportation such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution. This service will improve city life by increasing transportation options in urban areas,” said Masahiko Ogasawara, Director and Executive Managing Officer of Mori Building Co., Ltd.

Via’s partnership with Mori was sparked and facilitated by Anchorstar.

About Via

About Mori Building

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.

Via to provide its Technology and Support Services for Harvard University’s Evening Van Service

Published August 20, 2018 9:00 am, Via NYC
Via to provide its Technology and Support Services for Harvard University’s Evening Van Service
Via’s first university sector project applies the company’s on-demand rideshare technology to the campus environment

Via’s on-demand mobility solutions announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with Harvard University for the provision of Via’s rideshare technology and support services for the University’s evening van service.

Students, faculty, and staff can now book rides around campus using an intuitive, and fully customized mobile app powered by Via. This mobile technology directs passengers to the proper location for pick-ups and drop-offs, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without detours that take riders out of their way. An algorithm directs the vehicle in real-time along an optimized route, keeping passenger wait times to a minimum and reducing inefficient detours.

“We are thrilled to work with Harvard University to provide this first of a kind campus-wide service.” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via.

About Via