Via Official News – Page 9 – I wish I had more to offer

ViaVan results strong for on-demand shared transit at Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant

Published June 28, 2019 5:44 pm, Via NYC
ViaVan results strong for on-demand shared transit at Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant

28 June 2019 (Bremen, Germany) — ViaVan, the joint venture between Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, has successfully completed the pilot phase of an on-demand, dynamic corporate shuttle at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant. The service has become an integral part of the plant’s mobility offerings, having demonstrated significantly shorter waiting times and higher vehicle efficiency, despite a large increase in users, as compared to the previous corporate shuttle. The service has been so successful that ViaVan and Mercedes-Benz will be launching additional corporate campus solutions at other Mercedes-Benz plants.

“ViaVan provides shared mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and sustainable. We’ve been able to bring corporate campus transportation into the future with proven results that our technology can reduce wait times for employees and improve transportation cost and vehicle efficiency for our partners at Mercedes-Benz Vans,” says Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan.

Employees at the Bremen plant can hail a Mercedez-Benz Vito directly through a smartphone app powered by Via’s technology. Via’s smart, shared algorithm seamlessly matches passengers headed in a similar direction into one shared vehicle with a guaranteed seat. Riders are provided a specific pick-up location and ETA. Average wait times for riders are 60% faster than the previous service and rider satisfaction is high, resulting in a 3x increase in usage rates.

ViaVan has also proven to be a cost-effective solution for Mercedes-Benz due to its ability to efficiently utilize vehicles for the movement of multiple passengers. This alleviates the need for additional vehicles on the road, also resulting in significantly reduced vehicle kilometers per passenger and a decline in traffic and congestion on factory premises.

“The use of ViaVan in the Bremen plant is another building block of innovative mobility offers for our workforce. With the first all-electric Mercedes-Benz from mass production, the EQC, we are moving towards the future in production. With ViaVan, we are making our internal works traffic sustainable, increasing the mobility of our employees and at the same time reducing the number of department vehicles and thus the volume of traffic on the site. It’s a great project!” Markus Keicher, site manager of the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant.

ViaVan, together with its parent Via, have been tapped by cities and transit authorities over 70 times in more than 15 countries around the world to provide on-demand public mobility solutions. ViaVan’s partnerships include powering a demand-responsive bus pilot with TfL in London, corporate campus mobility with BASF and demand-responsive bus services in the UK with Arriva and Go-Ahead.

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 and Hampton Jitney launch flat-rate airport service

Published June 28, 2019 5:59 pm, Via NYC
Via and Hampton Jitney launch flat-rate airport service
Hampton Jitney riders now have affordable and convenient first-and-last mile connection to JFK and LGA

June 27, 2019 (NEW YORK)— A new partnership between Via, the leader in on-demand public transit, and Hampton Jitney beginning June 27 will make travel to-and-from the Hamptons easier and more affordable than ever with the launch of flat-rate Via airport transfers and discounted rides to Hampton Jitney stops in Manhattan.

Hampton Jitney riders will be able to book flat rate shared Via rides between LaGuardia ($24) or JFK ($29) and the Hampton Jitney Airport Connection in Queens. All local Hampton Jitney riders who book a shared Via ride to-or-from a Manhattan stop will also receive 5% off each ride.

Currently, Hampton Jitney passengers connecting through JFK and LaGuardia airports are required to find their own method of transportation for the first-and-last leg. Often times, ride-hailing prices for these routes fluctuate widely due to surge pricing from other providers, and taxis can be unavailable, creating an additional challenge for travelers. Via will also ensure that pick-up and drop-off points at the Hampton Jitney Airport Connection stop are safe, visible and convenient for an easy transition.

“At Via, we are committed to reducing single-occupancy vehicles trips in New York through smart and affordable shared transit, and our partnership with Hampton Jitney further supports this mission by providing travelers with a congestion and emission reducing ride on every leg of their trip,” said Alex Lavoie, US General Manager, Via.

“Hampton Jitney and Via both believe strongly in the shared ride principle which is the most fundamental way of reducing vehicle congestion. This partnership will allow our riders to take advantage of an integrated and cost-efficient last mile connection service not only for our airports, but also to and from our stops in Manhattan,” said Andrew Lynch, Vice President, Hampton Jitney.

How it works:

●During the booking process on the Hampton Jitney website, riders who choose one leg at the Airport Connection stop will have the option to book a flat-rate Via ride.

●After completing the booking process, riders will receive a Via promo code within their Hampton Jitney email confirmation and a reminder to download the Via app.

●After landing at JFK/LGA, or when on the Jitney approaching the Airport Connection stop, riders will book their ride with Via and enter the promo code in the “Promo Code” section of the Via app before booking a ride to-or-from these locations:

○ Westbound dropoff (to LGA/JFK): 13847 Horace Harding Expressway

○ Eastbound pickup (from LGA/JFK): 19002 Horace Harding Expressway

●Riders booking a ride to-or-from a Manhattan Jitney stop can enter the code “jitney5” in the “Promo Code” section of the Via app to receive 5% off before booking.

Via has provided more than 40 million rides in New York, and Hampton Jitney carries hundreds of thousands of riders between Eastern LI and NYC every year.

About Via:

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

About Hampton Jitney:

Hampton Jitney is a pioneer in the transportation field. In 1974, Hampton Jitney started with one van and a commitment to providing the finest personalized transportation service between Eastern Long Island (The Hamptons) and Metropolitan New York. Building on that simple premise, Hampton Jitney now operates a fleet of luxury motor coaches. Hundreds of thousands of people now travel each year in style and comfort, safely and on time via Hampton Jitney. Our luxury motor coach line service operates 365 days a year between Eastern Long Island and Metro New York (including airports). In addition, Hampton Jitney Charters and Tour coaches operate regularly throughout the northeastern US and Canada.

Via Launches ‘Ride On Flex’ On-Demand Transit in Partnership with MCDOT

Published June 26, 2019 4:50 pm, Via NYC
Via Launches ‘Ride On Flex’ On-Demand Transit in Partnership with MCDOT
‘Ride on Flex’ is one of a number of Via’s on-demand microtransit projects in the greater Washington DC region

June 26, 2019 (Montgomery County, MD) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), a leading Maryland public transit provider. Starting June 26, the new on-demand network called Ride on Flex will provide residents with an innovative, low-cost public transportation solution.

During the pilot program, Flex will provide corner-to-corner service in defined zones in the Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton areas, primarily as a first- and last-mile solution surrounding some of the region’s most popular commuter train stations. MCDOT’s standard fare policy will also apply to the new service, meaning riders will pay no more than $2 as they board. Plus, the 11-passenger Flex buses are wheelchair accessible and offer free WiFi.

“Via is thrilled to partner with MCDOT to provide residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing transportation alternative,” said Daniel Ramot, CEO and co-founder of Via. “Via’s powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. This technology makes for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.”

Using the 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.

“Our goal for Flex is to reshape the way residents think about getting around in the served Glenmont/Wheaton and Rockville zones,” said MCDOT Director Roshdieh. “In Glenmont/Wheaton, we hope to see residents using Flex to fill first mile/last mile gaps in their daily commute. In Rockville, the service lends itself more toward daytime errands and trips. Residents’ experiences, and the feedback they provide on the different spans of service in the two zones, will help us gather vital information about how they use this new service and point us toward the direction of future growth.”

Ride on Flex will operate Monday through Friday in the Rockville zone from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and in the Glenmont/Wheaton zone during peak periods (6-9 a.m. and 3:30-7 p.m.). The zones offer connections between households, transit hubs, commercial centers and public services.

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Ride On Flex smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Users can book rides within the Rockville zone and Glenmont/Wheaton zone highlighted within the app.

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.

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 Far Outpaces Uber, Lyft in NYC Utilization

Published June 21, 2019 6:01 pm, Via NYC
Via Far Outpaces Uber, Lyft in NYC Utilization
A new study by the city’s Taxi & Limousine Commissions reveals Via has a substantially higher utilization rate than its competition, cutting down on ‘cruising’

Newly proposed ride-hailing regulations in New York City reveal that Via is outpacing the competition yet again, this time showing that Via has a dramatically higher utilization rate than its competitors.

That’s according to a new study by the city’s Taxi & Limousine Commission on how to improve efficiency and manage for-hire vehicle growth in NYC. The city announced it will soon require for-hire vehicles in Manhattan be empty no more than 36 percent of the time by February 2020, and 31 percent by August 2020. But according to the TLC, Via is already at only 13 percent, while every other company is at least 42 percent.

According to the report, Via “has a substantially higher utilization in the Manhattan core (87%) than do Uber, Lyft, or Juno (54-58% in the Manhattan core). Of the other three high-volume FHV companies, Uber has the highest utilization and Juno the lowest, but the difference is small.”

Taking home the top spot for utilization is nothing new for Via, either. In 2018, the TLC reported that Via had the highest utilization rate of any for-hire vehicle service in New York City. Since launching in 2013, 95 percent of the company’s rides in NYC have been booked as shared. To date, Via’s shared rides eliminated 30 million driver miles on New York streets.

That’s compared to self-reported data from Uber and Lyft, which saw only 20 percent and 35 percent booked as shared, respectively.

The city’s latest report on utilization, however, comes just months after it mandated widespread driver wage increases, where it became clear that Via already paid its drivers far above the new minimum wage restrictions. And not by coincidence, Via’s higher driver pay and vehicle utilization are linked.

The TLC’s new report outlines how Uber, Lyft and Juno’s low utilization rates “cause drivers to spend over 40% of total work time empty and cruising for passengers. Combined with decreasing per-trip pay, this underutilization led to significant declines in driver income.”

Much like NYC’s updated minimum wage requirements, Via is already far exceeding the city’s new proposed “cruising” requirement. New York officials are now demanding that Uber, Lyft and Juno play catch-up.

Between Via’s exceptional utilization rate and high driver wages, the company continues to prove that it’s possible to run a highly efficient transportation service that both treats drivers fairly and reduces traffic congestion.

Via and Busways Launch Microtransit Service Connecting The Ponds and Schofields Residents to Public Transit

Published June 12, 2019 4:16 pm, Via NYC
Via and Busways Launch Microtransit Service Connecting The Ponds and Schofields Residents to Public Transit
The Cooee Busways app brings on-demand, dynamic transportation to suburbs surrounding two new Sydney Metro stations.

June 12, 2019 (New South Wales, Australia) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in partnership with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) and Busways, a leading Australian public transit provider. Called Cooee Busways, the new on-demand shared transit network brings first- and last- mile rides for residents in The Ponds and Schofields, connecting more residents to the Sydney Metro public transportation system.

Cooee Busways is now Via’s fourth microtransit deployment in New South Wales, Australia, joining services in Newcastle, Northern Beaches and Macquarie Park.

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

Using the Cooee Busways 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.

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.

“Integrated public transport options will alleviate commuter’s frustration with congestion on western Sydney roads when they’re just trying to get to work and back home each day,” Busways Managing Director, Byron Rowe, said. “The Ponds and Schofields are growing areas and the Cooee Busways on-demand service provides a crucial first and last mile link to the train and metro.”

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.

ViaVan Receives Top UITP Award For BerlKönig Service with BVG

Published June 14, 2019 12:47 pm, Via NYC
ViaVan Receives Top UITP Award For BerlKönig Service with BVG
On-demand public mobility in Berlin wins Public and Urban Transit Strategy Service category

13 June 2019 (BERLIN)– ViaVan, the joint venture between on-demand public mobility company Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans in Europe, receives in partnership with Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) the UITP Award in the category of Public and Urban Transport Strategy Service for its innovative BerlKönig deployment in Berlin. This prestigious prize is awarded every two years by the World Association of Public Transport Companies.

Launched in September 2018, the BerlKönig serves as a complement and extension to existing public transport in Berlin. Operated by ViaVan and powered by Via’s technology, the BerlKönig provides Berliners with an efficient, affordable and convenient on-demand shared public mobility service. The BerlKönig, with a fleet comprised of a majority of electric vehicles, has provided more than 650,000 shared rides while reducing vehicle miles traveled by more than 143,000 km as compared to private vehicle trips.

“ViaVan’s powerful algorithms were developed to provide the efficiency and convenience of a personal vehicle while delivering the congestion and emission reducing properties of public transit,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “We are honored that UITP has recognized the impact that smart, shared solutions like BerlKönig can have to reduce single-occupancy vehicles on the roads when integrated into the public transport system,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan.

“ViaVan’s mission is to work closely with cities to launch innovative new public transport solutions that have the potential to attract a new generation of public transport users,” said Valerie von der Tann, General Manager of ViaVan Berlin. “The UITP Award underscores that on-demand offers such as the BerlKönig are increasingly regarded internationally as a central element of future public transport systems.”

“We think it’s great that our digital service is not only very well received by Berliners, but is now also receiving international recognition in the transport industry,” said Dr. Henrick Haenecke, BVG Chief Financial Officer, Digitization and Sales. “For us, the price is also an incentive to further expand and strengthen our digital offers for our passengers.”

ViaVan’s technology seamlessly matches multiple passengers into a shared vehicle through the BerlKönig mobile app. Through the use of “virtual bus stops” and corner-to-corner pickup, unnecessary vehicle detours are minimized, reducing empty vehicle miles and added carbon emissions.

ViaVan, together with its parent Via, have been tapped by cities and transit authorities over 70 times in more than 15 countries around the world to provide on-demand public mobility solutions. ViaVan’s partnerships include powering a demand-responsive bus pilot with TfL in London, corporate campus mobility with BASF and Mercedes-Benz Vans in Germany, and demand-responsive bus services in the UK with Arriva and Go-Ahead.

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 and the City of Newton Launch Microtransit Network Aimed to Support Local Seniors

Published June 17, 2019 2:59 pm, Via NYC
Via and the City of Newton Launch Microtransit Network Aimed to Support Local Seniors
The new on-demand service “NewMo” is tailored exclusively to Newton’s senior population, increasing both mobility and wellness

June 13, 2019 (Newton, MA) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in partnership with the City of Newton called Newton in Motion, or NewMo. The new on-demand shared transit system is available to seniors living in Newton, increasing their mobility within the city and select destinations in the surrounding region.

NewMo provides any resident over the age of 60 with an efficient, reliable, and affordable way to travel within the city of Newton, as well as a number of medical facilities outside of the city’s boundaries. The on-demand service replaces an outdated taxi voucher system which required passengers to make reservations at least 72 hours in advance.

“We’re delighted to be working with the City of Newton to provide an affordable, convenient, and comfortable transportation solution for seniors,” 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 mass transit solutions. Via’s sophisticated on-demand transit technology is that solution, and we are excited for NewMo to improve mobility for seniors in the community.”

Using the Via app, riders will be able to hail a 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 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.

“I want seniors to be able to stay in Newton and thrive. Reliable, safe, affordable transportation is a key to giving people options for staying involved in their community as they phase out driving. This is a ground-breaking program that I really think can be a game-changer,” said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

Seniors can use the service by downloading the Via smartphone app, available on iOS and Android, or by calling (617-655-8019). Users can book rides Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to noon, costing as little as 50 cents to $5. In partnership with Avis, the new service will feature a fleet of Mercedes Metris vans, as well as wheelchair accessible vehicles.

ViaVan Partners with Transport for London and Go-Ahead to Launch GoSutton

Published May 28, 2019 12:25 pm, Via NYC
ViaVan Partners with Transport for London and Go-Ahead to Launch GoSutton
The demand-responsive bus pilot aims to reduce single-occupancy vehicle usage and encourage public transit ridership in Sutton

28 May 2019 (LONDON)– ViaVan, the joint venture between Via, the world’s experts in on-demand shared transit, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, announced today the launch of GoSutton, an innovative demand-responsive bus pilot in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) and operated by Go-Ahead in the borough of Sutton. The project seeks to improve links to existing public transit and bus networks in the region and to reduce the need for private car usage for trips within Sutton.

“We are delighted to be partnering with TfL and Go-Ahead to provide residents of Sutton with an on-demand public mobility service that combines the ease and convenience of private car ownership with the environmental and congestion-reducing benefits of mass transport,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “GoSutton is an exciting example of how public transportation and technology can work together to improve mobility for Londoners and support the Mayor’s goals of boosting public transport usage.”

“We are growing the bus network in outer London, as well as improving the capital’s Tube and rail service, but we also need to embrace and harness innovation to get people out of their cars,” said Michael Hurwitz, TfL’s Director of Transport Innovation, said. This trial will let us know how a more flexible, on-demand bus service could help us get Londoners wedded to private cars onto more sustainable ways of getting around.”

Using the GoSutton app, passengers will select their pick-up and drop-off location to book a ride in a uniform fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles that seat up to 14 passengers. The system will be powered by Via’s advanced algorithms, which enable multiple riders to seamlessly share a single vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby “virtual bus stop” for pick-up and drop-off, and dynamically routes the vehicle in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

The service will operate seven days a week from 6.20 until 21.30, and rides will be cashless, with the £3.50 fare paid for with a credit card directly through the GoSutton app. TfL Freedom Pass holders will be entitled to a fare waiver. The service will be operated by Go-Ahead London, and all GoSutton vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Riders without a smartphone can book a ride by calling the GoSutton support center or sending a text.

David Brown, CEO of The Go-Ahead Group said, “As the operator of PickMeUp, the largest demand responsive service in the UK, we are delighted to work with TfL and ViaVan to help deliver this bespoke service to the residents of Sutton.”

TfL awarded the pilot to ViaVan and Go Ahead following a tender process that sought an innovative technology solution with flexible routing, scheduling, and booking that would complement public transport in outer London and help TfL explore a demand-responsive approach to reducing private vehicles on the road. This is part of the Mayor’s initiative to reduce congestion in London and achieve 80% of all journeys by public transport, cycling or walking by 2041. Sutton has some of the highest private vehicle usage rates in London, as 71 percent of households have access to a car, alongside low public transit connectivity, ranking in the bottom 20 percent of PTAL scores, or Public Transit Accessibility Levels.

GoSutton is ViaVan’s seventh deployment in the United Kingdom and second project operated in partnership with Go-Ahead, following on the heels of their successful PickMeUp service in Oxford. ViaVan also has services in Leicester, Liverpool, and Sittingbourne in partnership with Arriva. ViaVan operates in Milton Keynes and London, where they have provided more than 6 million rides since their launch in April 2018.

About ViaVan

ViaVan and Arriva Launch Microtransit Service ArrivaClick in Leicester

Published April 29, 2019 5:32 am, Via NYC
ViaVan and Arriva Launch Microtransit Service ArrivaClick in Leicester
The third ArrivaClick deployment in the UK will bring an innovative mobility solution to a major housing development in the region

April 29, 2019 (Leicester, United Kingdom) — ViaVan, the joint venture between global on-demand shared transit experts Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, announced the third deployment of ArrivaClick, the microtransit service operated by Europe’s leading passenger transport provider, Arriva.

The ArrivaClick service in Leicester, England aims to connect more residents with public transportation. It operates in partnership with Drummond Estate for New Lubbesthorpe, bringing on-demand connections with existing bus and train networks, providing flexible connections to Leicester City Centre.

Starting April 29, ArrivaClick will offer service to a 29-square-kilometer area in the Drummond Estate development, one of the largest new housing developments in the East Midlands. The partnership also represents the first time in the UK that a Section 106 agreement has been used to fund a digitised Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service.

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

“ViaVan was formed to redefine public mobility across Europe, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide fully on-demand and dynamic transportation solutions,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Arriva.”

ArrivaClick already successfully operates in Sittingbourne, Kent, and in Liverpool, where it operates the largest DRT of its type in the UK. Research carried out by Arriva found that in these areas, up to 40% of passengers travel via private cars, younger passengers are more likely to adopt public transport, and up to 56% use the service so they don’t have to find a parking space at their destination.

“Customers want more convenient travel, so we need to apply innovative solutions to public transport problems and a realistic alternative to private car ownership if we are to tackle urban congestion and improve air quality,” said Asiya Jelani, Business Development Director at ArrivaClick.

“This pioneering approach means shorter end-to-end journey times and thousands of virtual bus stops,” Jelani added. “It presents a lower cost option that is easily flexible and has shown to be attractive to non-traditional bus users in other areas. Customers choose it because it is affordable and meets their needs.”

Passengers can book an ArrivaClick vehicle, pre-pay and reserve a space for a pram or wheelchair within the app. On board, there is Wi-Fi, extra legroom and high-backed comfortable seats for up to fifteen passengers per vehicle.

ArrivaClick is a cornerstone of the New Lubbesthorpe development, which covers the area from Leicester Forest East in the north to Enderby in the south, straddling the M69. The on-demand service will give residents of the development flexibility to work, learn and enjoy their leisure time.

About ViaVan

Via Announces Expansion to Alexandria, Virginia

Published May 22, 2019 1:59 pm, Via NYC
Via Announces Expansion to Alexandria, Virginia
The shared ride provider continues to widen its reach in the Greater Washington DC area

May 22, 2019 (Alexandria, VA) — Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand shared transit, is excited to announce the extension of its DC service to Alexandria, Virginia.

Via first launched in Washington DC in August 2016, and the service has since grown to cover the entire District as well as Arlington, VA, and now, Alexandria. With the shutdown of several Alexandria Metro stations beginning May 25th, Via’s timely expansion will provide an affordable, convenient, and reliable transportation option for thousands of commuters.

“We are pleased to extend our service to Alexandria, helping to extend public transit access during these station closures,” said Alex Lavoie, US General Manager of Via. “Via aims to provide the entire greater DC area with an affordable, congestion-reducing method of transportation that complements existing transit infrastructure.”

The expansion into Alexandria extends Via’s service zone by 33% and creates an affordable and convenient shared transportation solution for more than 140,000 commuters traveling to, from, and within Alexandria.

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 world-renowned dynamic ride-pooling technology, developed initially for New York City, has powered more than 70 deployments in more than 15 countries, many in partnership with cities and public transport operators. In DC, Via recently announced a partnership with The Department of Public Works (DPW) to provide District government employees with a new ride sharing service, and a micro transit service with Transco and the Department of For Hire Vehicles.

About Via: