Mobility Companies – Page 62 – I wish I had more to offer

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.

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.

Now Available: XL and Lux Scheduled Rides

Did you know you can now schedule a Lux or XL ride up to a week in advance? Whether you’re catching an early-morning flight or have a business meeting across town, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Now you can schedule XL and Lux rides for those times when you need extra space… Continue reading Now Available: XL and Lux Scheduled Rides

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.

Uber ATG enters two new collaborations with leading US research institutions

Uber ATG enters two new collaborations with leading US research institutions UberATGBlockedUnblockFollowFollowing Jun 18 Our team at Uber Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) is building high-performance self-driving technology with safety at the core of everything we do. Our foundational commitment to safety leads us to continually test new techniques, deploy new technology, and forge partnerships with… Continue reading Uber ATG enters two new collaborations with leading US research institutions

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.

Stepping up to the plate for safety

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Ending Ride to focus on Pass

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A New Class of Vehicle: Production-Ready Self-Driving

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Introducing Bay Wheels: New Bikes and a New Name

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