Category: Mobility Companies

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.

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The Ride to Vote: Use Lyft to Exercise Your Right

In the 2015 federal election, 48% of non-voters cited health concerns and the demands of everyday life as a reason for not casting a ballot. Of these non-voters, 12% reported having an illness or disability and 23% reported being too busy.1  To help eliminate these barriers, we’re making election day a little easier by giving… Continue reading The Ride to Vote: Use Lyft to Exercise Your Right

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.

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Communauto accelerates its growth thanks to the participation of Investissement Québec

Montreal, September 23, 2019 – Communauto is pleased to announce today that Investissement Québec is joining its share capital to grow the Québec business and accelerate its growth, both in Québec and abroad. Under this transaction, Investissement Québec will hold 24% of the shares of the company.

Mr. André St-Pierre, Vice-president, Major Accounts, Investment and Financing at Investissement Québec, Mrs Marie-Eve Proulx, Minister for Regional Economic Development, M. Benoit Robert, President and Founder of Communauto et Mr. Éric Alan Caldwell, Responsible for Urban Planning, Transit and Montreal’s Office of Pubic Transportation.

MacKinnon, Bennett & Co. (MKB), which has been a shareholder of Communauto since 2016, also participated in this new round of financing.

Communauto, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, remains the largest carsharing organization in Canada. It is a leader in North America for its economic and environmental sustainability as well as for its innovation in the field of integrated mobility and transportation electrification. The support of Investissement Québec and MKB will allow the company to continue its development in Québec and its expansion in Canada, especially in the Toronto area, and internationally. In addition to its mobility service offering, the company plans to add the commercialization of its technology solutions in the field of sharing and fleet management.

Investing in the future of sustainable mobility

Benoît Robert, founding president of Communauto, said: “Communauto today is taking an important step in its development plan. The recognition and support of Investissement Québec, as well as the renewed confidence of MKB, reinforce the sustainability of Communauto’s social, environmental and urban mission, and demonstrate once again that it is possible to reconcile environmental objectives and economic development.”

“Twenty-five years ago, the concept of carsharing was revolutionary; today it is spread throughout the world’s major cities. The emerging trend in many countries is to develop a green economy anchored in a better use of resources. I am proud that Québec is part of this global movement through innovative companies like Communauto. I welcome the announcement of a promising partnership between this Québec flagship and Investissement Québec, which will make possible the realization of important projects for the development of carsharing in Québec,” said the Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the regions of Chaudière-Appalaches, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Marie-Eve Proulx.

“Communauto is a visionary Québec company, and a forerunner of the now-popular carsharing mode of transportation. By becoming a partner of the company, Investissement Québec gives it the means to continue its momentum and to reach a crucial stage in its growth process. In doing so, IQ also helps preserve the company’s headquarters and decision-making centre in Québec, while maintaining nearly a hundred well-paying jobs that contribute to our collective well-being,” said Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec.

About Communauto

Founded in Québec City in 1994, Communauto is the oldest carsharing service in North America and the one serving the largest number of communities in Canada. It is also the first company in Canada to offer its customers a large fleet of 100% electric cars and to create offers combined with public transportation services. Present on two continents in 14 cities (Edmonton, Toronto, Kitchener / Waterloo, Hamilton, Guelph, London, Kingston, Ottawa, Gatineau, the regions of Montreal and Québec, Sherbrooke, Halifax and Paris in France) with a fleet of 3000 vehicles, it is one of the few operators in the world able to offer its customers access to vehicles available with or without reservation. Studies conducted in recent years show that each carsharing car replaces, on average, ten private vehicles in Québec.

About Investissement Québec

Investissement Québec’s mission is to promote the growth of investment in Québec, thereby contributing to economic development and job creation in all regions. The Company provides businesses with a full range of financial solutions including loans, loan guarantees and equity investments to support them at all stages of their development. In addition, she is responsible for administering tax measures and prospecting overseas investments.

About MacKinnon Bennett & Co. (MKB)

MacKinnon, Bennett & Co. is a Montreal-based private equity firm active in clean energy, transportation and smart cities. By partnering with entrepreneurs, MKB strengthens networks of like-minded innovators for sustainable development. MKB manages private investments on its own behalf, as well as on behalf of family wealth managers, high net worth individuals, institutional investors and other companies

– 30 –

Information:

Marco Viviani
Vice President, Strategic Development
Communauto
T 514-499-2804

Isabelle Fontaine
Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs
Investissement Québec
T 514-876-9359

Hello, Texas!

Data collection beginning in downtown Dallas By: Austin Geidt, Head of Uber ATG Strategy We’re on a mission to deliver safe self-driving technology to Uber riders around the world. Uber Advanced Technologies Group has already started this journey in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Toronto. Today, we’re adding another city to that list 一 Dallas, TX.… Continue reading Hello, Texas!

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

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Uber Announces Pricing of Upsized $1.2 Billion Senior Notes Offering

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) today announced the pricing of $1.2 billion principal amount of 7.500% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “notes”). The principal amount of the offering was increased from the previously announced offering size of $750 million. The notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional… Continue reading Uber Announces Pricing of Upsized $1.2 Billion Senior Notes Offering

Lyft Level 5 Self-Driving Dataset Competition Now Open

By: Vinay Shet, Director, Product Management The Lyft Level 5 team recently released a self-driving dataset with several tens of thousands of human-labeled 3D annotated frames and a semantic map, along with associated lidar frames and camera imagery. Today, we’re thrilled to launch a Kaggle competition with this dataset on 3D object detection over a… Continue reading Lyft Level 5 Self-Driving Dataset Competition Now Open

Waymo @ IAA Frankfurt 2019

Our CEO John Krafcik took the stage at IAA Frankfurt auto show today to share more on our journey here at Waymo and where we’re going next. Here’s a recap of his remarks. Hallo, und guten Morgen! It’s an honor to be here with you in Frankfurt to kick off IAA 2019. I’d like to… Continue reading Waymo @ IAA Frankfurt 2019

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

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.

Read more