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Northwestern University Partners with Via to Provide New On-Demand Safe Ride Program

Published September 19, 2019 5:37 pm, Via NYC
Northwestern University Partners with Via to Provide New On-Demand Safe Ride Program
The partnership allows students to book a Via on-demand for free, providing more vehicles and driver hours than the university’s previous Safe Ride program.

September 18, 2019 (CHICAGO, ILLINOIS) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new partnership with Northwestern University, one of the country’s leading private research and teaching universities. Starting this year, Northwestern students will be able to hail a free Via during the evening hours, safely shuttling students around the university’s Evanston, IL campus.

The decision to partner with Via comes in response to student feedback about Northwestern’s existing Safe Ride program, and after examining ridership data over the past two years. By partnering with Via, students will see a 38 percent increase in the total number of hours that drivers are available, utilizing an increased number of dedicated and trained drivers each night.

Via’s partnership with Northwestern marks the company’s third high-profile university deployment in America. Via currently operates dynamic, on-demand student shuttles at both Harvard University and Northeastern University.

“Via has a demonstrated record as a transportation partner with other universities,” said Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, Northwestern’s interim vice president for Student Affairs. “We are confident they will create a ride service that is more available and able to meet the needs of our Northwestern students.”

Isabel Dobbel, president of Northwestern’s Associated Student Government, said wait times and past app difficulties have disproportionately affected low-income students on campus.

“Many times, students would request a private ride, paid for by themselves, through a separate app,” Dobbel said. “The Safe Rides partnership with Via shows potential to improve the user side of the experience, remove a difficult barrier for low-income students and increase access to safe and free transportation on campus.”

Northwestern’s partnership with Via means Safe Ride will continue to provide unlimited free rides for all undergraduate and graduate students, increasing campus safety by making it easier than ever to request a ride on-demand. As in years past, the Safe Ride program will operate seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the fall, winter and spring quarters. Under the partnership, more vehicles and driver times will be available to students, a move designed to decrease wait times.

Safe Ride drivers will be paid an hourly rate instead of per ride. Drivers will be carefully selected with preference given to those with the highest ratings, positive customer feedback and the best driving records.

“We are delighted to partner with Northwestern University to bring a new level of convenience and efficiency to the school’s Safe Ride program,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “Students shouldn’t have to think twice about getting around campus safely. We’re looking forward to providing students with a smart, efficient and sustainable campus transportation solution.”

Riders can download the Via app (iOS and Android) to hail vehicle directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to the nearby pickup point, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

Via has been tapped by cities, universities 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 80 launched and pending deployments in more than 20 countries, providing more than 60 million rides to date. 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.

Jersey City Taps Via to Launch the State’s First City-Run On-Demand Bus Service

Published September 26, 2019 10:00 am, Via NYC
Jersey City Taps Via to Launch the State’s First City-Run On-Demand Bus Service
September 26, 2019 (NEW YORK) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, announced today a new partnership with Jersey City and Mayor Steven Fulop. Jersey City residents will be able to use the Via app to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphones, providing more efficient connections between the North and South regions of the City, and expanding accessibility to public transit. The service zone was designed to plug the gaps in existing transportation deserts, increasing connectivity to key shopping and business districts, government facilities, PATH stations, and ferry and light rail stops.
“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 join forces with Mayor Fulop and the City Council to bring this cutting-edge, on-demand shuttle system to Jersey City, providing residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing dynamic transportation alternative.”
“As NJ Transit continues to neglect the City’s mass transit systems, and without help from the state, we are now creating our own innovative solutions that will meet the needs of our residents,” said Mayor Fulop. “This is the latest step towards our larger vision of getting cars off the road, while creating mobility in neighborhoods that sometimes lack connectivity to other parts of the City.”

Via’s advanced 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, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules. The service will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Riders can request a wheelchair accessible vehicle should they indicate it is needed.

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 80 launched and pending deployments in nearly 20 countries, providing more than 60 million rides to date. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via :

Cupertino Taps Via to Provide New On-Demand Public Transportation Network

Published October 7, 2019 9:00 am, Via NYC
Cupertino Taps Via to Provide New On-Demand Public Transportation Network
Residents
and commuters will soon be able to hail a Via anywhere within the City of
Cupertino, improving public transit and enabling easier connections to CalTrain

October
7, 2019 (CUPERTINO, CA) — The City of Cupertino will
soon offer a new on-demand public transportation network in partnership with
Via, a cutting-edge provider of on-demand public mobility solutions. Starting
October 29, residents and commuters in Cupertino will be able to use the Via
app (or phone reservation system) to hail a shuttle directly from their mobile
devices, providing more efficient connections to CalTrain and increasing
connectivity across the city.

Unlike traditional bus networks that rely on
routes and schedules, Cupertino’s new partnership with Via allows riders to
hail a shared ride right when they need it. The on-demand transit network will
span 11-square-miles — the entirety of the City of Cupertino — with a satellite
zone surrounding the Sunnyvale CalTrain station for commuters. By making public
transportation more comfortable, convenient and affordable, city leaders hope
to encourage residents to leave their private vehicles at home, reducing
traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.

“This partnership with Via is the next
generation of what public transportation can be, allowing us to increase
mobility while taking a step toward our larger goal of reducing traffic
congestion across Cupertino,” said Mayor Steven Scharf.

Using the Via app (iOS and Android), riders will be able to hail a
shuttle directly from their smartphone or tablet. Via’s advanced algorithms
will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the same vehicle. The powerful
technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual 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.

“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 join forces with city leadership to bring this
cutting-edge, on-demand shuttle system to Cupertino, providing residents with a
convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing dynamic transportation
alternative.”

Via will operate at $5 per ride, with weekly
and monthly passes available for just $17 a week and $60 a month. Service will
operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.

In partnership with Avis Budget Group, the
service will start with six Cupertino-branded Mercedes Metris vans, which seat
six passengers in addition to a driver, growing to 10 vehicles over time. The
fleet will also include a wheelchair accessible vehicle for riders needing
greater accessibility. Avis Budget Group helps to provide turnkey fleet
management service, including maintaining the vehicles to ensure they are ready
to hit the road and provide on-demand public mobility solutions to the City of
Cupertino.

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. Neighboring cities like Los Angeles, Pacifica, Marin, West Sacramento
and Orange County also use Via’s technology to operate on-demand transit
networks, as do some of the world’s largest transportation authorities. Via now
has more than 80 launched and pending deployments in over 20 countries,
providing more than 60 million rides to date.

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.

City of Birmingham Selects Via for On-Demand Bus Service

Published September 24, 2019 7:35 pm, Via NYC
City of Birmingham Selects Via for On-Demand Bus Service
The partnership will extend access to public transportation with on-demand microtransit technology

September 25, 2019 (Birmingham, AL)– Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, announced today a partnership with the City of Birmingham and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham for a six-month dynamic, on-demand shared ride service that will complement, extend and fill the gaps in existing public transit infrastructure in select areas of the city that need it most.

“We’re delighted to partner with the City of Birmingham to provide an affordable, convenient, and reliable transportation option for residents,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “Via’s powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm is the solution to improving access in transportation deserts, seamlessly integrating into the existing public transit infrastructure to connect residents to work, education, healthcare, and opportunities in their communities.”

“We have been looking for additional layers of service to support the transportation needs of our residents. Through this partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, we are confident Via’s innovative transportation system will offer an additional option for on-demand transportation to our residents with an emphasis on connecting them with the services they need on a daily basis,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “We are proud to add another tool to our toolbox as well as joining more than 80 cities and partners who have worked with Via to provide innovation to public transportation.”

Via’s advanced 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, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules. The service zone was specifically designed to provide affordable and efficient transportation for high-need and underserved communities, and will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Riders can request a wheelchair accessible vehicle should they indicate it is needed.

“The on-demand and curbside service allows more flexibility and convenience for me in traveling from my home to the doctor and shopping,” said Amy Thornton of Elyton Village. “I’m particularly pleased that it will also service disabled travelers as well.”

“I’m particularly happy this will serve the western communities,” said Dora Sims, president of the Five Points West Community. “We have a number of seniors who can really benefit from it. It enhances our mobility to get to jobs and important visits like doctor’s appointments. This is a big plus.”

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 80 launched and pending deployments in nearly 20 countries, providing more than 60 million rides to date.

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.

ViaVan Launches Its First On-Demand Mobility Service in Finland with HSL

Published September 16, 2019 9:00 am, Via NYC
ViaVan Launches Its First On-Demand Mobility Service in Finland with HSL
IdeaLab winner ViaVan powers an innovative public transit solution

16 September 2019 (HELSINKI)– ViaVan, Europe’s leading provider of on-demand public mobility, today announced it will power a dynamically routed first-and-last mile transit solution, in partnership with the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL). The service will allow residents of the Helsinki suburb of Espoo to book an on-demand ride and connect to Metro and train stations in the operating zone.

“ViaVan is redefining mobility across Europe, and we’re delighted to have been selected by HSL, an innovator in Europe’s transportation sector, to launch this ground-breaking service,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “We believe that the easier it is to take public transport, the more people will reliably choose it over their private vehicle, and we’re excited to provide Espoo residents with this affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly transportation alternative.”

“The purpose of the experiment is to get an idea of how customers view the service and whether a similar service could sometimes serve as a complement to traditional public transport. All measures to increase the popularity of public transport and other wise modes of transportation are welcome,” says Tero Anttila, Head of HSL’s Public Transport Department.

ViaVan was selected as a winner of HSL’s IdeaLab competition, aimed at finding new and innovative mobility solutions for the Helsinki region. As a result, ViaVan received half a million euros for the service program, which leverages its technology and expertise to drive ridership to public transit and reduce the need for private vehicles to commute into the city from the suburban region of Espoo.

Passengers can book a ride through the ViaVan app to-or-from a Metro or train station in the service area. Once a ride is booked, Via’s advanced technology matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction into one of eight high-capacity vehicles and dynamically routes these vehicles in real-time, minimizing detours through the use of “virtual bus stops” to reduce congestion and emissions, while providing a highly-efficient rider experience.

The six-month service operates in eastern Espoo on weekdays from 7am to 9pm, and includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles. To celebrate the launch, trips begin at €2 per ride until 15 October 2019, with fixed and affordable pricing thereafter.

ViaVan recently launched its first on-demand public transit service in the Nordic region in partnership with Konsentra in Oslo, Norway this August. In addition, ViaVan has has already launched similar services in cooperation with leading public transport authorities across Europe, including Transport for London (TfL) in the Borough of Sutton in London and Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) in Berlin. ViaVan also operates direct to consumer services in London, Amsterdam and Milton Keynes. Globally, ViaVan and parent company Via have been tapped by cities and transportation players to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. With more than 80 launched and pending deployments in 20 countries, Via and ViaVan have provided more than 65 million rides to date.

Download the ViaVan app: iPhone or Android
Read more about the service
Map of the service area

Via Expands in Austin, Launching Four New Pickup Zones with Capital Metro

Published September 5, 2019 2:42 pm, Via NYC
Via Expands in Austin, Launching Four New Pickup Zones with Capital Metro
Pickup has grown to a total of five service zones within just three months of launching the popular on-demand public transportation service

September 5, 2019 (AUSTIN, TEXAS) — Via, in partnership with the leading Austin public transportation provider Capital Metro, has officially launched four new zones of its popular Pickup on-demand public transportation service, bringing the dynamic shuttle to even more residents. The rapid success of the Pickup deployment is a testament to the appetite in Austin for dynamic on-demand mobility solutions.

Pickup first launched in June 2019 in the Austin suburb of Manor, with Capital Metro adding four new zones in Austin starting in September: Walnut Creek, East ATX, Northeast ATX, and Exposition. The new zones serve the four areas included in the MetroLink pilot program.

The swift expansion in Austin mirrors its fellow Texan city, Arlington, which also uses Via’s technology to power local public transportation. Since Via launched in Arlington in late 2017, ridership has grown 29 times larger, the service zone has expanded three times to cover almost a third of the city’s population, and there is a 94 percent daily weekday increase in ridership compared to the previous fixed-route bus system the service replaced.

It’s evident from Pickup’s tremendous expansion in its early months of operation that it is on the same path as Arlington to successfully overhaul outdated fixed-route public transit, giving residents more reliable and efficient transit options using Via’s technology.

“Pickup is an innovative way to build connections and bridge gaps that naturally occur in any transit network,” said Chad Ballentine, Capital Metro’s vice president of demand response and innovative mobility. “It provides reliable and accessible service in zones throughout the community that otherwise have limited access to transportation.”

Using the Pickup app, riders can 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 virtual bus stop, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Pickup smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Those in the service zones without access to the smartphone app may call 512-269-6200. A single ride costs $1.25, the same charge as a Single Ride pass used to take MetroBus and MetroRapid services. A Capital Metro Day Pass, 7-Day Pass or 31-Day Pass will cover a Pickup ride as well. All Pickup zones are available weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., while East ATX and Northeast ATX also serve customers on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

Cooee Growth Booms in the Sydney Suburbs, Drawing Thousands to New On-Demand Transport

Published September 2, 2019 12:00 pm, Via NYC
Cooee Growth Booms in the Sydney Suburbs, Drawing Thousands to New On-Demand Transport
In less than three months, the on-demand public transportation network drew thousands of customers and the project has met its utilization goals well ahead of schedule.

September 3, 2019 (New South Wales, Australia) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today released milestone metrics for its new Cooee Busways transport system, launched in partnership with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) and Busways, a leading Australian transportation provider. Despite only starting operations on May 27, residents are already flocking to the new service by the thousands, with ridership exceeding targets, and vehicle utilization well ahead of the project’s goals.

Called Cooee Busways, the new on-demand shared transit network provides first- and last- mile connections for residents in The Ponds, Schofields and Kellyville Ridge, linking more residents with the new Sydney Metro public transportation hubs. Residents in the western Sydney suburbs have proved their eagerness to leave their private vehicles at home and take public transport, with more than 20,000 rides taken on the Cooee service in less than three months.

Ridership increased by more than 50 percent between June and July, with 55 percent of riders saying they previously used a private vehicle to make the journey. Thus far, of the 55 percent riders that previously used their private vehicle, 50 percent stated it was primarily used for commuting. From this, 4 percent stated they had sold their car since using Cooee Busways, with a further 43 percent considering selling their vehicle.

What’s more is that the Cooee service maintains a significant utilization rate, seeing a 75 percent increase in the first 11 weeks. During the morning and evening commuting hours, more than twice as many riders use Cooee Busways than originally projected. Because of its high utilization rate, Cooee Busways has thus far saved more than 21,000 vehicle kilometers by sharing a ride compared to driving a private vehicle, saving nearly five metric tons of CO2 vehicle emissions.

To date, the Cooee Busways app has been downloaded more than 8,500 times, garnering a 4.8 star review from users. This equates to a third of the residents in the service area having the app.

“Via’s technology is redefining mobility across the globe, and we’re thrilled to see such a positive reaction from Cooee Busways riders since launching the new on-demand service,” Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via, said. “This project proves that the easier it is to take public transport, the more people will reliably choose it over their private vehicle.”

Cooee Busways operates Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., connecting commuters with Schofields Train Station and the new Sydney Metro stations at Tallawong and Rouse Hill. With the opening of Sydney Metro Northwest, Via’s timely deployment provides an affordable, convenient, and reliable transportation option for those commuting through these new major transit hubs.

“We are ecstatic over the success of the Cooee Busways service so far. To see ridership grow this quickly in a short space of time has been nothing short of a great achievement for the teams behind the project. It wouldn’t have been possible without Transport for NSW and Via working with us to deliver this futuristic passenger transport service, now,” Busways’ Managing Director, Byron Rowe, said.

“We’re getting people out of their cars, easing traffic congestion, freeing up parking spots, and making the integrated transport network work better for people. The execution from the teams involved has been outstanding — from using the right technology, to picking the area, designing the service, choosing the vehicles and kicking it all off with a proper marketing campaign.”

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Cooee Busways smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Users can book rides between Schofields Train Station, Tallawong Metro station, or Rouse Hill Metro station, and anywhere within the service zone highlighted within the app.

Cooee Busways is Via’s fourth microtransit deployment in New South Wales, Australia, joining services in Newcastle, Northern Beaches and Macquarie Park. Via also partnered with Busways to launch the world’s first on-demand shared autonomous deployment, BusBot, in Toormina, a suburb of Coffs Harbour.

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 80 launched and pending deployments in 20 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via

About BuswaysBusways is a transport solution provider that partners with Government agencies to bring innovative, reliable and flexible services to the Australian people. We’re unencumbered, flexible and fast with a leadership team that is both forward thinking and responsive to the changing nature of the domestic transport industry. With a team of over 1,500 people, committed to transporting over 21 million passengers each year, we pride ourselves on taking a proactive approach to public transport delivery to ensure the customer’s journey is as seamless as possible. Busways is interested in how innovative transport solutions can enhance mobility and access for customers groups in different communities.

Via Launches First On-Demand Deployment in Ontario with Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services

Published August 26, 2019 2:35 pm, Via NYC
Via Launches First On-Demand Deployment in Ontario with Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services
Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand aims to overhaul an underutilized fixed-route bus network with on-demand microtransit technology

August 26, 2019 (SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new public transportation deployment in partnership with Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services, a leading transit provider in Ontario, Canada. Starting September 8, passengers will be able to ride Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand, a new dynamically-routed shared transit network aiming to dramatically overhaul the area’s existing fixed-route bus system.

Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand will initially operate on Sundays from 7:15 p.m. to midnight when ridership has historically been low on the existing fixed-route buses. Riders can hail a Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand bus in real-time to their desired stop, which allows more efficient utilization of city buses, rather than continuously driving on fixed-routes with little or no passengers.

“We are thrilled to partner with the innovative team at The City of Sault Ste. Marie to bring Via’s technology to Ontario for the very first time,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “The new Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand service shows how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter. Residents 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.”

Using the Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand 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.

Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand allows riders to travel from one pre-existing established stop to another as requested. Once the bus arrives, passengers can proceed onto the bus and pay using their existing transit pass or cash. The app provides riders with notifications and messages, real-time vehicle tracking, and an opportunity for users to provide post-ride feedback.

“This presents an excellent opportunity to run a pilot for on-demand services,” says Brent Lamming, Director of Community Services. “By implementing an on-demand transit technology system, the city intends to reduce the number of buses used to service the routes (presently nine), and improve service delivery by making more efficient use of resources.”

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Sault Ste. Marie On-Demand smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android, and available for download starting September 1. Users can book rides between the pre-existing Sault Ste. Marie Transit stops.

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 Selected to Power New York City’s School Bus System

Published August 21, 2019 6:03 pm, Via NYC
Via Selected to Power New York City’s School Bus System
The groundbreaking technology will enable smart routing and tracking for the city’s nearly 10,000 school buses and provide parents and students a new level of transparency and security

August 21, 2019 (New York, NY) — Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility, was selected by the New York City Department of Education to provide a revolutionary school bus management system for the nation’s largest school district. “Via for Schools” will be the first integrated, automated school bus routing, tracking, and communication platform in the world. Parents and students will have the ability to track, in real-time, their bus’ whereabouts and receive frequent and reliable communications in the event of service changes, improving safety and bringing important peace of mind to all users of the system. By utilizing Via’s best-in-class algorithms to optimize school bus routing, the Department of Education will be able to achieve operational efficiencies and reduce transportation costs.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the New York City Department of Education to set a new standard of excellence in school transportation,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “Via was founded in New York, where we are proud to operate the city’s most efficient on-demand shared ride service. We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to further serve the New York community by applying our technology to operate a world-class school bus system.”

“Through our partnership with Via, we’ll soon have a state-of-the-art app for families to track buses and get real-time automatic updates,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “We are grateful for the City Council’s advocacy, leadership and partnership. Safe and reliable transportation is critical for all families, and we’re committed to getting it right this year.”

As the largest school district in the nation, the NYC Department of Education (DOE) transports approximately 150,000 students on 9,000 bus routes each and every day to get students safely to and from school across the City. Via for Schools is purpose built to serve the city’s diverse student populations, including General Education, Special Education, Students in Temporary Housing, and others through one integrated school transportation system. The system will utilize a flexible algorithm, which allows for both stop-to-school and home-to-school pickups, accommodating students regardless of their learning style, mobility constraints, or place(s) of residence.

Via’s technology is already in use in more than 50 markets across the globe, by such leading public sector transportation providers as Los Angeles Metro, Transport for London, and Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). For Via for Schools, the company’s intelligent routing system will optimize school buses’ daily, fixed routes to be as efficient as possible, while also providing the flexibility to respond dynamically to realities on the ground such as street closures and traffic. The system is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and aims to ultimately reduce transportation costs for the NYC DOE. Parents and students will benefit from improved visibility and communications regarding system status and unexpected changes, including real-time bus locations, student boardings and alightings, route changes, and vehicle delays.

About Via

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic and highly efficient on-demand network. Via’s technology is deployed in more than 20 countries worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, universities, and school systems, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge on-demand public mobility. First launched in New York City, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. For more information, visit ridewithvia.com.

“Via for School” Mobile Application

“Via for School” Mobile Application / QR Code

Via Overhauls Paratransit with New On-Demand Service in Michigan

Published August 5, 2019 8:46 am, Via NYC
Via Overhauls Paratransit with New On-Demand Service in Michigan
Rapid On Demand is among the first paratransit services in the United States to integrate with on-demand ridesharing technology

August 5, 2019 (GRAND RAPIDS, MI) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new paratransit deployment in partnership with The Rapid, a leading public transportation provider in the Midwest. Called “Rapid On Demand,” the new network is one of the first times an American transit agency will upgrade its paratransit service with on-demand ridehailing technology, as opposed to pre-scheduling days in advance.

While Via already offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles nearly everywhere it operates, this will be the company’s first-ever deployment fully dedicated to overhauling a city’s vitally important paratransit services. Grand Rapids residents eligible for the city’s GO!Bus ADA paratransit program can now utilize the Rapid On Demand app, developed and powered by Via.

“We’re delighted to be working with The Rapid and partners to provide an affordable, convenient, and comfortable transportation solution for seniors and people with disabilities,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We have increasingly seen cities and towns ask how they can provide their residents with transportation that radically improves the customer experience, and yet still achieves the same environmental and congestion-reducing benefits of public transit. Via’s on-demand transit technology is that solution, and we are excited for GO!Bus to improve mobility for residents in the communities that need it most.”

Using the Rapid On Demand 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 virtual 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.

“At The Rapid, our goal is to continuously improve mobility options in West Michigan,” said Andrew Johnson, CEO of The Rapid. “Rapid On Demand offers an exciting opportunity to provide same-day service that improves independence and customer experience to those who may not be able to utilize typical ride hailing solutions.”

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Rapid On Demand smartphone app, available on iOS and Android. Users can book rides anywhere within the service zone spanning from Downtown Grand Rapids to the southeastern portion of Kentwood. There will be no charge to use the service at launch.

“On-demand public transit is revolutionary for our area, and we couldn’t be more excited about partnering to assist with the Rapid On Demand pilot program,” said Laura St. Louis, Community Organizer with Disability Advocates of Kent County. “Riders are already sharing how easy it is to book a ride and get where they need to go with no fuss.”

The Rapid received funding for the service through the Michigan Mobility Challenge, a grant initiative seeded with an $8 million legislative appropriation in 2018 to use technology and innovation to address core mobility gaps for seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans across Michigan.

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