Mobility Companies – Page 63 – I wish I had more to offer

Communauto FLEX Service Launched in Saint-Laurent

Saint-Laurent, June 7, 2019 – On June 7, on Saint-Laurent territory, Communauto will be launching its Communauto FLEX self-serve car service, previously known as Auto-mobile. This new service will help improve the sustainable mobility opportunities available to residents, workers and visitors to Saint-Laurent.

“We are very pleased to welcome this new service, which will diversify accessible means of transportation for our community. Users will now be able to get around more quickly in Saint-Laurent and easily access other Montréal boroughs. Our collaboration with Communauto, which began in 2005 through its reservation-based rental service, is in line with Saint-Laurent’s policy to promote active, ecological and sustainable modes of transportation. These are alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle use, just like the BIXI bikes recently rolled out in Saint-Laurent. The implementation of these vehicles is also in keeping with the guidelines of our Plan local de déplacements (local transportation plan) adopted in 2017 and our status as a sustainable municipal territory,” mentioned Saint-Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa.

“Communauto’s mission is to develop a transportation service that is as widespread as possible and complementary to public and active transportation. By bringing Communauto FLEX to a large community such as Saint-Laurent, we are taking a decisive step towards offering city-wide services,” stated Marco Viviani, Communauto’s Vice-President, Strategic Development.

Where to park these vehicles in Saint-Laurent?

On
Saint-Laurent territory, Communauto FLEX vehicles will be allowed to park only
in the two SRRR (on-street parking reserved for residents) zones, namely:

The SRRR in Vieux-Saint-Laurent, bounded by boulevard Marcel-Laurin
and boulevard Côte-Vertu, avenue Sainte-Croix and rue Saint-LouisThe SRRR at Montpellier commuter train station, bounded by
boulevard de la Côte-Vertu, avenue Sainte-Croix, rue Tassé and rue Muir

The Borough will monitor this service over time, in order to ensure balanced parking in these two zones.

What is Communauto FLEX?

It
is a self-serve car service without reservation, which provides access to
hybrid or electric vehicles available without delay, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Its users take a car to any destination they choose and drop it off
anywhere they want within the service area. Rental can be arranged for a few
minutes, hours or days.

Users
may park in those spaces reserved for residents that are located within the
service areas. Such spaces may be found in more than 10 boroughs in Montréal.
For more information: www.communauto.com and 514 842-4545 or 1 877 942-4545.

About Communauto

Established in Québec City in 1994, Communauto is the longest-running car-sharing service in North America and the one serving the largest number of communities in Canada. With a fleet of close to 3,000 vehicles, the company serves 13 Canadian cities, in addition to Paris, France. The Communauto group operates gas-powered cars as well as hybrids and electric ones. It is one of the few operators in the world able to offer its clientele access to self-service vehicles that are available with or without reservation.

Simulation: The Invisible Gatekeeper

By: Hugh Reynolds, Senior Director of Engineering, Simulation [embedded content] At Uber Advanced Technologies Group (ATG), safety is at the core of everything we do. As part of our commitment to safety, we are investing heavily in simulation technology that enables us to test our self-driving system in a virtual environment before it ever reaches… Continue reading Simulation: The Invisible Gatekeeper

Careem BUS launches in Saudi Arabia with Jeddah to Mecca service

Careem BUS has launched in Saudi Arabia with a direct service between Jeddah and Mecca.

Following on from the successful launch of Careem BUS in Egypt in December 2018, Careem has expanded operations to The Kingdom beginning with a direct bus link between Jeddah and Mecca for SR25 each way.

The service comes as part of Careem’s ongoing commitment to solving transportation issues, improving mobility and creating jobs and is ideal for people flying into Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. The route has been approved by the Saudi Public Transport Authority.

Customers will be able to check the availability of the bus via the app, monitor its arrival and secure a seat. Walk-on passengers will also be accepted. The service is currently cash only, but soon passengers will be able to pay via several payment methods, such as the Careem wallet on the app, or by a registered credit card.

The service operates via a separate app from the ride hailing product and is available for download on iOS and ..

Lyft is now offering free EV charging in Portland

Following our launch of Green Mode — the ride option that lets Portland riders request a hybrid or electric vehicle for their journey — we’re excited to announce that Lyft is partnering with PGE to provide free EV charging for eligible drivers starting July 1. Portland drivers will now be able to charge their vehicles… Continue reading Lyft is now offering free EV charging in Portland

One Year In, 50,000 Self-Driving Rides Later

Self-driving cars are a central part of our vision for reducing individual car ownership, creating safer streets, and alleviating congestion. Alongside providing on-demand options for shared rides, electric bikes, scooters, and transit, self-driving cars in the Lyft app provide another way for people to get around reliably without needing to own a car. One year… Continue reading One Year In, 50,000 Self-Driving Rides Later

A Year of Carbon Neutral Lyft Rides

A year ago, we became one of the world’s largest purchasers of carbon offsets, and made all Lyft rides carbon neutral. And last September, we took it a step further and committed to full carbon neutrality. Since April 2018, we’ve effectively eliminated the amount of carbon that it would take 2.4 million acres of trees… Continue reading A Year of Carbon Neutral Lyft Rides

Supporting Transgender Drivers

Since the process for transgender drivers to change their name and gender on legal documents is complex and varies by state, we’re partnering with the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) to offer legal support and resources to drivers who are transitioning. Transgender and non-binary drivers who have completed more than 100 rides on the… Continue reading Supporting Transgender Drivers

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 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.

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:

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.