Mobility Companies – Page 64 – I wish I had more to offer

Continuing Our Investment in Safety

Safety is fundamental to Lyft, which is why we are continuously working on new features, policies, and programs to protect our riders and drivers. This includes professionally-administered criminal background and driving record checks for all driver-applicants that are re-run annually, in-app photos of the driver and vehicle, real-time ride tracking, digital receipts, two-way rating systems,… Continue reading Continuing Our Investment in Safety

Via and SamTrans Launch On-Demand Public Transportation in Pacifica, California

Published May 6, 2019 7:00 am, Via NYC
Via and SamTrans Launch On-Demand Public Transportation in Pacifica, California
The new partnership with SamTrans brings another shared, on-demand service powered by Via to the San Francisco Bay area.

May 6, 2019 (Pacifica, CA) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in the San Francisco Bay Area, operated in partnership with public transportation leader SamTrans. The new service brings corner-to-corner shuttle service to Pacifica, California.

Starting May 6, SamTrans will offer on-demand shared transportation within the coverage area for the standard SamTrans fare. The new on-demand service replaces the fixed-route FLX Pacifica bus service, offering customers a more convenient public transportation solution.

SamTrans OnDemand 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.

“Via’s powerful technology is redefining mobility across the globe, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide on-demand dynamic transportation solutions,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “We are delighted to be partnering with SamTrans to help Pacifica lead the way in mobility innovation through the launch of this convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly service.”

SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority.

“SamTrans OnDemand is an innovative service that will better serve Pacifica residents by providing a flexible and affordable transportation option,” said SamTrans Chief Planning Officer April Chan. “If this way of delivering service works well, we hope to extend this to other neighborhoods in San Mateo County that can take advantage of this service.”

“Pacifica has unique challenges regarding transportation that result in congested roads and needless stress,” said Pacifica Mayor Sue Vaterlauss. “SamTrans OnDemand offers an alternative that will appeal to students, seniors and people that want options beyond owning a car.”

SamTrans OnDemand allows riders to request a trip through an iOS or Android app operated by Via, or through the SamTrans Customer Service Call Center. Once a trip is booked, a shuttle is routed to the pickup location and can be tracked through the app in real-time.

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.

DC Government Launches New Ride Sharing Program to Transport Employees

Published May 9, 2019 2:39 pm, Via NYC
DC Government Launches New Ride Sharing Program to Transport Employees
District Government Employees can now book rides for official District business through Via, with ride expenses billed electronically to their agency.

May 9, 2019 (Washington, DC) — The Department of Public Works (DPW) recently announced a new partnership with Via to provide District government employees with a new ride sharing service. The ride sharing program minimizes the need for employees to use DC Government vehicles, eliminating maintenance, fuel, and acquisition costs. The program will also reduce fleet operating costs by nearly 20 percent from the resulting per mile rate, while also contributing towards a cleaner environment.

“We know from our previous pilot that an on-demand ride-sharing service is the fastest and most efficient way for our employees to travel for work-related activities,” said DPW Acting Director Chris Geldart. “Via is the best fit for our agencies’ needs and will result in a significant cost savings for the District over our previous fleet sharing options, whether leased or owned vehicles.”

DPW, together with the Department of for Hire Vehicles (DFHV), executed a
pilot with the local taxi cab companies to determine if ride sharing was a
viable option for transporting District government employees. This pilot
successfully ran from June 2017 until April 2018. More than 2,100 rides were
completed with 27 different agencies participating in the pilot. After a
successful pilot, DPW decided to create this as a permanent program for
District employees and Via was selected after a competitive bid process.

To use DPW’s new Vehicle on Demand service, employees simply
download the Via app designed for their iPhone
or Android
device, register for an account and then use it as they would any app-based private driver
service.

“We are delighted to partner with the Department of Public Works to provide an efficient and cost-effective way for employees to travel around the city,” said Alex Lavoie, Via U.S. General Manager. “Via’s vision is to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions here in D.C. and around the globe.”

About Via

About DPW

DPW is a nationally recognized leader in sustainable government fleet management practices. It maintains and fuels more than 3,000 vehicles and continuously explores options to help the nation’s capital reach its goal to reduce carbon emissions.

Partnering with Lyft to serve more riders in Metro Phoenix

Partnering with Lyft to serve more riders in Metro Phoenix Waymo TeamBlockedUnblockFollowFollowingMay 7 By: John Krafcik, CEO Six months ago, we launched Waymo One, our commercial self-driving ride-hailing service in the Metro Phoenix area. Over that time we’ve grown to serve over 1,000 riders who hail Waymo cars each day to commute to and from work,… Continue reading Partnering with Lyft to serve more riders in Metro Phoenix

Lyft and Ground Up PDX introduce Cashew Chai

This spring, Lyft has teamed up with Ground Up PDX, a Portland company that employs women overcoming adversity, to debut the customized nut butter flavor, Cashew Chai — a flavor imagined by Lyft driver and aspiring teacher Melanie H. With each jar sold, Lyft will donate a ride to nonprofit Outside In to help a… Continue reading Lyft and Ground Up PDX introduce Cashew Chai

Lyft Hires First Head of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Lyft’s mission is to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. And in order to deliver on our mission, we need to have a deep understanding of our drivers and riders and the cities in which they live. We’re taking steps every day to make that happen, and that’s why we’re thrilled to announce… Continue reading Lyft Hires First Head of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Via Announces Expansion to Evanston and West Chicago

Published April 29, 2019 9:00 am, Via NYC
Via Announces Expansion to Evanston and West Chicago
The shared ride provider continues to widen its reach in the Greater Chicago area

Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand shared ride services, has expanded its Chicago-area service. Via will now be available in Evanston as well as Hermosa, Humboldt Park and Mayfair. The expansion will see the Chicago-area service zone increase by more than 20%.

“At Via, our goal is to eliminate the need for private car ownership by providing affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly on-demand shared transportation that can seamlessly integrate into existing public transit infrastructure” said Alex Lavoie, US General Manager of Via. “We’re delighted to be expanding in Chicago, providing greater access for the students, residents, and workers in these communities.”

All shared rides within Evanston will be a low $3 flat fare. Via aims to be a key first-and-last mile solution for the commuter-heavy suburb, connecting residents and commuters to rail stations without the need for a personal vehicle.

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.

In the United States, Via operates services in New York, Chicago, Washington DC. Via has also been tapped by cities and transit authorities in the United States and around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network, including partnerships in Arlington Texas, West Sacramento California, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Via has more than 50 deployments in more than 15 countries around the world.

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.

Lyft, Banner Health, MCAO and iHeart Media Partner to Provide Safe Rides for Cinco de Mayo

Continuing the successful campaign “Save Lives, Don’t DUI,” the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with Lyft, Banner Health, and iHeart Media to offer an incentive not to drink and drive this Cinco de Mayo. “Lyft has been an important partner in our Save Lives Don’t DUI campaign. By offering discounted rides and helping to… Continue reading Lyft, Banner Health, MCAO and iHeart Media Partner to Provide Safe Rides for Cinco de Mayo

For its 25 years, Communauto accelerates its growth

New territories covered, close to 300 new vehicles and Auto-mobile becomes FLEX

MONTREAL, April 11, 2019 – Communauto, the most important carsharing service in Canada and the largest operator in Montreal, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2019. The company is starting this year strong with new vehicles and by expanding its service territory:

The free-floating Auto-mobile fleet will increase by 23% (+135 vehicles) in Montreal. With more than 720 hybrid and electric vehicles, Communauto continues to be the most important operator of this type of service in Montreal. 150 vehicles will be added to the stations to meet the “with reservation” demand; the more “traditional” component of Communauto will increase to 1,300 vehicles in Quebec, including more than 1,000 in Montreal. The Auto-mobile service area will expand to the Ville Saint-Laurent and LaSalle boroughs which will bring the total number of boroughs covered to 14 (on 19).New stations will increase the accessibility of the service in several sectors of the metropolitan area:6 new stations (+31%) will be added to the existing 19 in the Ahuntsic – Cartierville boroughThe service will be reinforced in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie boroughs and in the Griffintown and Mercier-Est areas.Stations will appear for the first time in the City of Côte-Saint-Luc.The new Corolla 2020 (gas and hybrid) will appear in the Communauto station-based fleet.

Other important changes, the Auto-mobile service gets a makeover with a new visual identity and will now be called FLEX.

“FLEX as in FLEXIBLE” says Benoit Robert, founder and CEO of Communauto. “While Communauto develops its presence in the other Canadian provinces, we do not fail to improve our offer in the communities where we were born. After 25 years, we continue to be leaders in the communities we serve in Canada, but we are especially proud to be able to say that our mission has always remained the same: to build mobility offers aimed at reducing dependence on the private car.”

ABOUT COMMUNAUTO

Founded in Quebec City in 1994, Communauto is the longest-running carsharing 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 (Edmonton, Waterloo Region, Hamilton, London, Guelph, Kingston, Ottawa, Gatineau, Montréal/Laval/ Longueuil, Quebec City/Lévis, Sherbrooke, Halifax) and Paris in France. The Communauto group operates gas, hybrids and electric cars and offers both round-trip and free-floating carsharing.

For more information: Marco Viviani, VP strategic development, Communauto, 1 514 499 2804, mviviani@communauto.ca

Via Launches On-Demand Public Transit in Tel Aviv

Published April 14, 2019 3:00 am, Via NYC
Via Launches On-Demand Public Transit in Tel Aviv
The new service, bubble, marks Via’s first deployment in Israel.

April 14, 2019 (Tel Aviv, Israel) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced today its first deployment in Israel. Developed in partnership with public transit operator Dan Transportation the new service, bubble, aims to increase mobility and reduce traffic congestion in Tel Aviv and the surrounding cities of Ramat Gan and Givatayim. The service will begin on April 15.

“We are delighted to partner with the innovative team at Dan to bring Via’s technology to Tel Aviv, a city that Via already calls home to hundreds of engineering and technology jobs,” said Oren Shoval, co-founder and CTO of Via. “Our powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm enables our technology to seamlessly integrate into the existing public transit infrastructure providing a congestion reducing, convenient, and affordable way to get around.”

The service is part of a pilot program initiated by the Israeli Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transportation that seeks to explore how dynamic, on-demand mobility solutions can integrate with public transit to relieve Israel’s congestion issues.

Using the bubble 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 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. The service will launch with a fleet of 40 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The number of vans will rapidly increase to 100 by May 2019.

Ride fares are set at a flat NIS 15 (USD $4.14) during rush hour and just NIS 12.5 (USD $3.44) the remaining time, a significantly less expensive option than taking your own private car especially when considering parking costs. Riders can also choose to purchase a bubble pass, which discounts 10 rides even further to NIS 12 regardless of the time of day. Senior citizens are eligible for an additional 50 percent discount.

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 60 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via