Via Official News – Page 8 – I wish I had more to offer

Via Expands Citywide in Chicago

Published August 6, 2019 8:00 am, Via NYC
Via Expands Citywide in Chicago
Shared ride provider offers $2.50 flat fare rides to CTA/Metra stations in the new zone

August 6, 2019 (CHICAGO)– Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, has expanded its Chicago service citywide. Nearly doubling the size of the current operating zone, the expansion includes several parts of the city least served by existing public transportation. Via will supplement the existing transit by providing first-and-last-mile connection for riders to-and-from all CTA and Metra stations in the expansion zone for a flat $2.50 rate.

“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,” said Alex Lavoie, US General Manager of Via. “We’re delighted to be expanding in Chicago to provide greater access across the entire city for residents, workers, and visitors in these communities.”

Chicago has seen a growing demand for on-demand mobility solutions in parts of the city with more limited access to public transit, and since December, public TNC data shows that requests for shared rides have increased in the southernmost parts of the city, despite an overall citywide decline.

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. Rides applicable for the $2.50 flat rate must be booked as shared rides to-or-from one of 65 CTA or Metra stations within the new zone, and will be capped at a distance of two miles.

In the United States, Via operates services in New York, Chicago, and Washington DC, and now has more than 80 launched and pending deployments nearly 20 countries, providing more than sixty million rides to date. Via has partnered with some of the world’s largest public transit agencies to solve pressing transportation needs including the Los Angeles Metro, Transport for London (TfL), Sydney’s Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), and Berlin’s Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).

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’s citywide zone in Chicago in addition to Evanston, Harwood Heights, Norwood, O’Hare and Midway Airports (August 2019)

ViaVan Launches App for New First/Last Mile Service with BVG in Brandenburg

Published August 2, 2019 9:00 am, Via NYC
ViaVan Launches App for New First/Last Mile Service with BVG in Brandenburg
Powered by ViaVan and operated by BVG, BerlKönig BC will provide citizens in rural communities outside of Berlin access to mass transit going into the city

2 August 2019 (BERLIN) — ViaVan, Europe’s leading provider of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new public transportation deployment on behalf of Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). Dubbed “BerlKönig BC”, the new BVG service powered by ViaVan’s technology will provide an innovative first-and-last-mile connection to U-Bahn railway stations traditionally underserved by fixed route services. BerlKönig BC is the second service ViaVan and BVG have worked on together, following on the heels of their groundbreaking BerlKönig service, which launched in central Berlin in September 2018.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with BVG with the launch of BerlKönig BC,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “This service is an exciting example of how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter, extend access to public transit, and reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.”

Riders will be able to pre-book rides directly through the BerlKönig BC mobile app up to one month in advance, and the fleet includes wheelchair accessible vehicles.

The project is funded by the National Federal Clean Air Program, which was established to find immediate solutions to harmful carbon emissions across Germany. ViaVan was selected to power the service in part due to the exceptional performance the partners’ debut BerlKönig service. Operating in central Berlin, the BerlKönig has delivered more than 750,000 rides in its first 10 months. More than 80% of BerlKönig rides have two or more passengers in the vehicle at the same time, up to 97% at peak times.

ViaVan powers a similar first-and-last mile service in the UK with bus operator Arriva in the rural town of Sittingbourne with a high number of commuters who rely on a nearby train line. Launched in 2018, ArrivaClick has seen more than 50% of its passengers switch from private vehicle use to shared transport to connect to the commuter train line. ViaVan and Arriva have also launched ArrivaClick in Liverpool and Leicester as microtransit services with connections to public transit. In London, ViaVan recently partnered with Transport for London (TfL) and Go-Ahead for a demand-responsive bus pilot aimed at reducing private vehicle use for access to public transit in the borough of Sutton on the outskirts of the city. Later this year, ViaVan will launch a service with HSL (Helsinki Regional Transit Authority) for on-demand shared transit in Espoo, part of the Helsinki capital region, to provide efficient public transit connections for commuters and Espoo residents.

Globally, ViaVan and parent company Via, have 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 and ViaVan now have more than 80 launched and pending deployments in nearly 20 countries, providing more than 60 million rides to date.

###

About ViaVan:
ViaVan is a leading provider of innovative on-demand shared transit services in Europe. ViaVan was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between Via, the world’s most sophisticated developer of dynamic shared rides technology, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the leading manufacturer of iconic passenger and cargo vans. Working closely with cities and public transit operators, ViaVan powers dynamic shared mobility services that complement existing transportation infrastructure. ViaVan currently operates direct-to-consumer services in London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Milton Keynes. Through their partnership, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via are also collaborating on the development of advanced mobility solutions, from sensor technology, to electric vehicle fleet management, to autonomous driving.

Via and HP Transportes Expand CityBus 2.0 to 13 New Neighborhoods of Goiânia, Brazil

Published July 11, 2019 7:20 pm, Via NYC
Via and HP Transportes Expand CityBus 2.0 to 13 New Neighborhoods of Goiânia, Brazil
In a response to growing demand, CityBus 2.0 will soon span more than 25 square miles and service approximately 340,000 residents.

July 11, 2019 (Goiânia, Brazil) — Via, the world’s leading developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, today announced an expansion of its CityBus 2.0 on-demand transportation deployment in partnership with HP Transportes Coletivos to cover 13 new neighborhoods in Goiânia, Brazil. Starting July 20, the expanded service zone will encompass more than 25 square miles and approximately 340,000 residents.

The move comes after growing demand from residents to increase the service zone over the last five months. Via and HP Transportes partnered to launch CityBus 2.0 in February, first covering 11 key neighborhoods. Starting July 20, the on-demand network will extend to serve passengers in districts like Parque Amazônia, Pedro Ludovico and Jardim América.

“We are delighted by the success of CityBus 2.0 and are thrilled to see the service expand,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “In just a few short months, CityBus 2.0 has quickly become one of Via’s fastest growing on-demand transport deployments around the globe. As demand grows, we continue to learn more about riders and their needs. We look forward to bringing CityBus 2.0 to vast new areas of Goiânia that need on-demand public transport the most.”

In just five months, more than 38,000 users registered for accounts to ride CityBus 2.0, with research by HP Transportes revealing almost all of which migrated from using single-occupancy vehicles as their primary mode of transportation. In addition, more than 55 percent of the time, a CityBus 2.0 vehicle is transporting more than one passenger, helping to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions in Goiânia.

“In order to carry out the expansion, we implemented detailed studies and planning,” said Transport Director of HP Transportes, Hugo Santana. “The new areas have large population concentrations, with many buildings, condominiums and colleges. As the zone expands to service more universities, parks and malls, we believe the volume of aggregate travel will increase even more.”

CityBus 2.0 operates from Monday to Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and now runs through more than 20 neighborhoods, including the Central, South, University, West Sectors, Airport sector, Marista, Bueno, Bela Vista, Serrinha, Pedro Ludovico , New Switzerland, Jardim Goiás, Alto da Glória, Vila Redenção, Jardim América, Parque Amazônia, Jardim Atlântico and Vila Rosa.

Users can download the CityBus 2.0 app for iOS and Android devices.

Via now has more than 80 launched and pending deployments nearly 20 countries, providing more than sixty million rides to date. Via has partnered with some of the world’s largest public transit agencies to solve pressing transportation needs including the Los Angeles Metro, Transport for London (TfL), Sydney’s Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), and Berlin’s Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). To learn more, 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.

Via and Trinity Metro Launch ZIPZONE, Connecting Fort Worth Residents to Public Transit

Published July 22, 2019 3:26 pm, Via NYC
Via and Trinity Metro Launch ZIPZONE, Connecting Fort Worth Residents to Public Transit
The new first- and last-mile service will support connections to the Mercantile Center Station

July 22, 2019 (FORT WORTH, TX) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new public transportation deployment in partnership with Trinity Metro, a leading Texas public transit provider. Called Mercantile ZIPZONE, the new on-demand shared transit network brings TEXRail and bus commuters first- and last-mile connections to the Mercantile Center Station.

ZIPZONE marks Via’s third on-demand public transportation deployment in Texas, joining successful shared transit deployments in the neighboring cities of Arlington and Austin. More than 175,000 trips have been taken with Via’s Arlington service since the city’s pilot program launched in December 2017, earning a 97 percent approval rating from users.

“We are thrilled to partner with the innovative team at Trinity Metro to bring Via’s technology to Fort Worth,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “The new ZIPZONE service a great example of how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter, building on key learnings from our successful neighboring mobility deployments in Arlington and Austin. Residents just north of Fort Worth 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 Trinity Metro ZIPZONE app, riders are 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.

ZIPZONE will operate 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be no charge to use the service at launch. After the free period, rides will vary $1 to $3.

“Mercantile ZIPZONE expands the range of options offered by Trinity Metro to ease the burden of commuters who want and need to connect to this live, work and play destination,” said Wayne Gensler, Trinity Metro vice president and chief operating officer for bus and paratransit. “We are proud to work with the City of Fort Worth while we look at innovative ways to solve the first mile-last mile challenges in our area.

The project will operate in partnership with Avis Budget Group, who will provide the vehicles, as well as turnkey fleet management services, including maintaining the vehicles to ensure they are ready to hit the road.

Commuters in Fort Worth can use the new ZIPZONE service by downloading the Trinity Metro ZIPZONE smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Users can book rides between the Mercantile Center Station and anywhere within Mercantile ZIPZONE boundaries.

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.

Via Launches ‘COTA Plus’ On-Demand Transit in Partnership with Central Ohio Transit Authority

Published July 18, 2019 3:05 pm, Via NYC
Via Launches ‘COTA Plus’ On-Demand Transit in Partnership with Central Ohio Transit Authority
COTA Plus is Via’s first microtransit deployment in the greater Columbus area, living up to the city’s “Smart Columbus” initiative.

July 18, 2019 (Columbus, Ohio) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new public transportation deployment in partnership with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), a leading Ohio public transit provider. Called COTA Plus, the new on-demand shared transit network brings dynamic rides to Grove City, a community outside of Columbus experiencing rapid growth and increased need for connections to COTA’s existing fixed-transit system.

“We are thrilled to partner with our innovative partners at COTA to bring Via’s technology to the Columbus area,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “The COTA Plus service shows how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter. Grove City 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.”

Developing the future of public transportation with the COTA Plus app comes not long after Columbus competed against 77 cities nationwide to win the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge. The DOT tasked Columbus with developing an “integrated, first-of-its-kind smart transportation system that would use data, applications, and technology to help people and goods move more quickly, cheaply, and efficiently.” Now three years later, COTA’s on-demand deployment in Grove City is yet another embodiment of the region’s dedication to developing the city of tomorrow.

Using the COTA Plus app, riders are 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.

“There is increased demand for greater mobility options across many of our Central Ohio communities, including Grove City,” said Joanna M. Pinkerton, President/CEO of COTA. “COTA Plus was designed with input from multiple stakeholders, including the city and area businesses, who have identified mobility challenges as a barrier to employment, healthcare, and education. We are proud to pilot this innovative service under the unique COTA Plus brand, and to work with public and private entities in the future to solve mobility challenges.”

Commuters can use the service by downloading the COTA Plus smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android, or even by calling (614) 308-4400. Users can book rides anywhere within the defined zone in Grove City. The on-demand deployment connects riders to the Southpark Industrial Park, the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and the new Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital.

“COTA and Grove City have a long history of working together and successfully addressing the ever-changing transportation needs of our growing community,” said Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage. “The COTA Plus program is an innovative and welcome pilot for our current mobility challenges, further illustrating the strength of our partnership.”

Customers who book a trip with COTA Plus will not pay additional fare if connecting to fixed-route service (COTA Lines 3 & 61). If a customer books a COTA Plus trip point-to-point without using COTA bus service, they will pay a $3 fare. All COTA Plus fare must be paid through the app. Cash will not be accepted by the operator.

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 sixty million rides to date. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

ViaVan and Debono Group Launch Malta’s First-Ever Ridesharing Service

Published July 11, 2019 6:39 pm, Via NYC
ViaVan and Debono Group Launch Malta’s First-Ever Ridesharing Service
Cool is ViaVan’s tenth dynamic on-demand transit deployment in Europe, and the first service in Malta to offer shared rides

July 11, 2019 (MALTA) — ViaVan, the joint venture between global on-demand shared transit experts Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, today announced a new transportation venture in partnership with the Debono Group called Cool. The new on-demand shared transit network brings affordable and efficient shared rides to Malta beginning July 10.

Cool is Malta’s first-ever transportation service offering efficient, on-demand shared rides. By riding with Cool, users now have an affordable, eco-friendly, and efficient way to commute across the island nation.

“ViaVan is redefining public mobility across Europe, seamlessly integrating with public transport to provide fully on-demand and dynamic transportation solutions,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “Malta is an innovation-forward country, so we’re delighted to launch this groundbreaking on-demand service with Debono Group, providing everyone from residents to tourists with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing transportation alternative. This is truly a great example of a country embracing the future of mobility.”

Using the Cool app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. The Cool app is powered by advanced algorithms developed by ViaVan’s parent company, Via, 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.

“I welcome this initiative as one of the sustainable transportation options, which will contribute to reducing traffic on the roads,” said Dr. Ian Borg, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects. “Today most of the private vehicle journeys are completed by a single person. Ride-pooling can increase vehicle occupancy and deliver tangible benefits for both passengers and the environment such as saved costs fuel and parking, cleaner air and decreased the need for parking.”

During the launch period, vehicles will operate within a fixed zone covering: Attard, Balzan, Birguma, Birkirkara, Blata l-Bajda, Floriana, Gharghur, Gwardamangia, Gzira, Hamrun, Ibragg, Iklin, Imriehel, Kappara, Lija, Madliena, Marsa, Msida, Swatar, Swieqi, Paceville, Pembroke, Pieta, Qormi, San Gwann, Sliema, St. Julians, St. Venera, Ta Xbiex, and Valletta.

Following the launch stage, the service will be gradually extended to cover additional areas around the Maltese islands.

“Cool is our latest step in our endeavor to build a sustainable mobility ecosystem in Malta,” said Geoffrey Debono, the Group CEO. “Our aim is to make mobility on the island the most effective and efficient, yet simplest in the world. We look to enhance the experience offered to customers by leveraging technology to deliver best in class solutions that cater to customer needs and requirements. Cool ensures that the quickest routes are calculated dynamically in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours.”

Cool is a new project under the umbrella of the Debono Group. Following the successful launch of the GoTo car sharing platform in 2018, the mobility group turned to ViaVan to deliver another first to the Maltese islands.

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Cool smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Rides anywhere within the zone are a low flat fare of €4.95, and additional passengers are just €2.48 each, half of the standard price.

Via and ViaVan have 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 and ViaVan now have nearly 80 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About ViaVan
ViaVan is a leading provider of innovative on-demand shared transit services in Europe. ViaVan was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the leading manufacturer of iconic passenger and cargo vans. Working closely with cities and public transit operators, ViaVan powers dynamic mobility services that complement existing transportation infrastructure. Through their partnership, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via are also collaborating on the development of advanced mobility solutions, from sensor technology, to electric vehicle fleet management, to autonomous driving. For more information, visit www.viavan.com.

ViaVan Receives 3-Year License Renewal from TfL in London

Published July 15, 2019 8:39 am, Via NYC
ViaVan Receives 3-Year License Renewal from TfL in London
The UK’s leader in shared rides set sights on evolving the future of public transport in the capital

15 July 2019 (LONDON) — ViaVan, the joint-venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans in Europe, has been granted a 3-year Private Hire Vehicle Operator license renewal to continue to operate efficient on-demand shared transport in London by Transport for London (TfL).

“We are proud to receive the renewal of our license in London. We believe that ViaVan’s focus on smart, shared mobility is part of the solution to achieving the Mayor’s goal of 80% journeys by public transport, walking or biking by 2041,” said Chris Snyder, ViaVan CEO. “To actually get Londoners out of private vehicles and on-board with the city’s goals, it’s necessary to provide a technology-driven solution that combines the efficiency, comfort and convenience of a personal vehicle with the affordability and traffic-reducing benefits of public transport.”

Since its launch in April 2018, ViaVan has provided more than 7 million rides in London and saved 3 million vehicle kilometers by pooling multiple passengers into shared vehicles, resulting in more than 600,000 kilograms of CO2 saved. During this time, ViaVan expanded to serve London city-wide, and won a highly competitive tender to collaborate with TfL in launching London’s first demand-responsive bus pilot in the borough of Sutton, a project which is directly in line with the city’s vision for the future of transport.

A key point of differentiation for ViaVan in London is the company’s focus on the evolution of on-demand public transport to reduce single occupancy vehicles on the road and reduce the impact of rising congestion and harmful carbon emissions. Using powerful technology from U.S. provider Via, ViaVan has proven to be a strong solution for public transport operators and partners, not only in London with TfL but across the UK in both rural and urban areas.

Via’s technology powers the ArrivaClick service in Liverpool, Leicester and Sittingbourne. In Sittingbourne, 50 percent of ArrivaClick passengers have shifted from private modes of transport, and significant numbers use the service to connect to commuter train lines. In partnership with Go Ahead, ViaVan provides nearly 4,000 shared journeys a week in Oxford, and most recently launched GoSutton with TfL. ViaVan also launched a second UK consumer service in Milton Keynes in October 2018 that has provided more than 55K rides and saved more than 17,000 kilograms of CO2, with the introduction of electric vehicles to the fleet coming this fall.

About ViaVan:
ViaVan is a leading provider of innovative on-demand shared transit services in Europe. ViaVan was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between Via, the world’s most sophisticated developer of dynamic shared rides technology, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the leading manufacturer of iconic passenger and cargo vans. Working closely with cities and public transit operators, ViaVan powers dynamic shared mobility services that complement existing transportation infrastructure, and currently operates in London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Milton Keynes. Through their partnership, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via are also collaborating on the development of advanced mobility solutions, from sensor technology, to electric vehicle fleet management, to autonomous driving.

Via Unveils its First Autonomous Vehicle Service as Pilot to Transform Public Transportation

Published July 11, 2019 3:45 pm, Via NYC
Via Unveils its First Autonomous Vehicle Service as Pilot to Transform Public Transportation
The partnership with Busways and EasyMile marks Via’s first autonomous vehicle deployment in the world, serving a community in New South Wales, Australia.

July 11, 2019 (New South Wales, Australia) — Via, the world’s leading developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced today its first public autonomous vehicle (AV) service in the world. The AV program, dubbed BusBot, is now fully operational, serving a community in New South Wales, Australia.

In partnership with local bus operator Busways, Transport for NSW, and AV technology provider EasyMile, BusBot will serve the Marian Grove Retirement Village in Toormina, a suburb of Coffs Harbour. The deployment will serve an entire community of seniors in need of a public transit solution, offering some unique benefits beyond a driverless vehicle.

Using the BusBot app (iOS and Android), users will be able to hail the autonomous BusBot directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the driverless vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop for pick up and drop off, and dynamically task the driverless vehicle to stops in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

The service marks a milestone for Via’s efforts in autonomous mobility. 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, such as the BusBot deployment.

“If autonomous vehicles are to reach their full potential for providing low-cost, efficient rides, they need to be shared by multiple passengers,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “Via’s sophisticated systems are able to power, in real-time, the movement of millions of connected autonomous shuttles and their passengers, and we’re delighted to be working with BusBot to launch this groundbreaking service.”

Via has provided more than 50 million dynamically-routed rides around the globe, and has applied this experience in shared mobility to AVs. Along with acting as a city-wide network of on-demand, shared vehicles, Via also solves common public transportation challenges, such as filling first-and last-mile transit gaps and acting as a bridge to major trunk services like high-frequency bus or rail lines.

The deployment in Marian Grove began on April 8, 2019 and marks the second phase of BusBot’s pilot program, with plans to operate in the community for 22 weeks, giving Via and its partners time to test increasingly advanced AV elements. Service for riders will be free during the pilot program.

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 70 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. Via most recently demonstrated its autonomous vehicle solutions at CES in 2019. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

Via launches Apple Pay in the U.S.

Published June 27, 2019 3:57 pm, Via NYC
Via launches Apple Pay in the U.S.
Riding with Via is now easier than ever with the introduction of Apple Pay!

With the latest version of the Via app, riders can directly and securely link payment through their Apple Pay account. Our integration with Apple Pay removes the need for Via riders to manually input credit and debit information, and by using FaceID/TouchID/passcode, Apple Pay is a secure and instant way to hit the road.

How it works:
– New users can set Apple Pay as their default payment method directly during sign up!
– Existing users can add Apple Pay through the “Billing” section of the app menu. Just click on “add a payment method” to connect your Apple Pay account.

Via Announces On-Demand Microtransit in Manor and Austin with Cap Metro

Published June 25, 2019 2:24 pm, Via NYC
Via Announces On-Demand Microtransit in Manor and Austin with Cap Metro
Pickup will debut in Manor, TX and will expand to four Austin neighborhoods later this year.

June 25, 2019 (Austin, TX) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in partnership with Cap Metro, a leading Austin public transit provider. Called Pickup, the new on-demand shared transit network brings door-to-door transportation to the Manor area, and four other Austin neighborhoods later this year.

The new service replaces the MetroBus Route 470 servicing Cap Metro’s Manor Park & Ride, Walmart, City Hall and several additional neighborhoods both in and out of the city limits. Pickup will come to Austin later this year and will serve the four areas included in the MetroLink pilot program.

Using the Pickup 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, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

Pickup is available weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Commuters can use the service by downloading the Pickup smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Those in the Manor service zone without access to the smartphone app can call 512-527-3222 to book a ride. 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.

The new on-demand service comes after Via and Cap Metro piloted the Pickup service in 2017 and 2018 in Northeast Austin, including the Mueller and Windsor Park neighborhoods, testing the on-demand service’s functionality in the Austin metro area.

Via is a leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, working with cities and transportation agencies around the world to connect more people to transit. Cooee Busways is among numerous other deployments powered by Via around the globe that make it easier for commuters who do not own a car, prefer not to drive and park, or live within a long distance of a transit hub.

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.