Mobility Companies – Page 71 – I wish I had more to offer

Via and Trinity Metro Launch ZIPZONE, Connecting Fort Worth Residents to Public Transit

Published July 22, 2019 3:26 pm, Via NYC
Via and Trinity Metro Launch ZIPZONE, Connecting Fort Worth Residents to Public Transit
The new first- and last-mile service will support connections to the Mercantile Center Station

July 22, 2019 (FORT WORTH, TX) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new public transportation deployment in partnership with Trinity Metro, a leading Texas public transit provider. Called Mercantile ZIPZONE, the new on-demand shared transit network brings TEXRail and bus commuters first- and last-mile connections to the Mercantile Center Station.

ZIPZONE marks Via’s third on-demand public transportation deployment in Texas, joining successful shared transit deployments in the neighboring cities of Arlington and Austin. More than 175,000 trips have been taken with Via’s Arlington service since the city’s pilot program launched in December 2017, earning a 97 percent approval rating from users.

“We are thrilled to partner with the innovative team at Trinity Metro to bring Via’s technology to Fort Worth,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “The new ZIPZONE service a great example of how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter, building on key learnings from our successful neighboring mobility deployments in Arlington and Austin. Residents just north of Fort Worth now have a comfortable, convenient, and affordable way to move around. This is truly a great example of a city embracing the future of mobility.”

Using the Trinity Metro ZIPZONE app, riders are 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.

ZIPZONE will operate 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be no charge to use the service at launch. After the free period, rides will vary $1 to $3.

“Mercantile ZIPZONE expands the range of options offered by Trinity Metro to ease the burden of commuters who want and need to connect to this live, work and play destination,” said Wayne Gensler, Trinity Metro vice president and chief operating officer for bus and paratransit. “We are proud to work with the City of Fort Worth while we look at innovative ways to solve the first mile-last mile challenges in our area.

The project will operate in partnership with Avis Budget Group, who will provide the vehicles, as well as turnkey fleet management services, including maintaining the vehicles to ensure they are ready to hit the road.

Commuters in Fort Worth can use the new ZIPZONE service by downloading the Trinity Metro ZIPZONE smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Users can book rides between the Mercantile Center Station and anywhere within Mercantile ZIPZONE boundaries.

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. 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 Launches ‘COTA Plus’ On-Demand Transit in Partnership with Central Ohio Transit Authority

Published July 18, 2019 3:05 pm, Via NYC
Via Launches ‘COTA Plus’ On-Demand Transit in Partnership with Central Ohio Transit Authority
COTA Plus is Via’s first microtransit deployment in the greater Columbus area, living up to the city’s “Smart Columbus” initiative.

July 18, 2019 (Columbus, Ohio) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new public transportation deployment in partnership with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), a leading Ohio public transit provider. Called COTA Plus, the new on-demand shared transit network brings dynamic rides to Grove City, a community outside of Columbus experiencing rapid growth and increased need for connections to COTA’s existing fixed-transit system.

“We are thrilled to partner with our innovative partners at COTA to bring Via’s technology to the Columbus area,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “The COTA Plus service shows how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter. Grove City residents now have a comfortable, convenient, and affordable way to move around. This is truly a great example of a city embracing the future of mobility.”

Developing the future of public transportation with the COTA Plus app comes not long after Columbus competed against 77 cities nationwide to win the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge. The DOT tasked Columbus with developing an “integrated, first-of-its-kind smart transportation system that would use data, applications, and technology to help people and goods move more quickly, cheaply, and efficiently.” Now three years later, COTA’s on-demand deployment in Grove City is yet another embodiment of the region’s dedication to developing the city of tomorrow.

Using the COTA Plus app, riders are 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.

“There is increased demand for greater mobility options across many of our Central Ohio communities, including Grove City,” said Joanna M. Pinkerton, President/CEO of COTA. “COTA Plus was designed with input from multiple stakeholders, including the city and area businesses, who have identified mobility challenges as a barrier to employment, healthcare, and education. We are proud to pilot this innovative service under the unique COTA Plus brand, and to work with public and private entities in the future to solve mobility challenges.”

Commuters can use the service by downloading the COTA Plus smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android, or even by calling (614) 308-4400. Users can book rides anywhere within the defined zone in Grove City. The on-demand deployment connects riders to the Southpark Industrial Park, the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and the new Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital.

“COTA and Grove City have a long history of working together and successfully addressing the ever-changing transportation needs of our growing community,” said Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage. “The COTA Plus program is an innovative and welcome pilot for our current mobility challenges, further illustrating the strength of our partnership.”

Customers who book a trip with COTA Plus will not pay additional fare if connecting to fixed-route service (COTA Lines 3 & 61). If a customer books a COTA Plus trip point-to-point without using COTA bus service, they will pay a $3 fare. All COTA Plus fare must be paid through the app. Cash will not be accepted by the operator.

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 sixty million rides to date. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

Introducing…comma prime!

Here at comma, we’ve had SIM cards in our EONs since before they were even called EONs. And they provide a couple of great benefits, so much so that we’d forget most of our users don’t have them. Today, we are changing this. We’re making it easy for all EON users to get an unlimited… Continue reading Introducing…comma prime!

Access to Bike Share for Communities Most in Need

By Malcom Glenn, Head of Global Policy, Accessibility and Underserved Communities, and Amy Smith, Policy Research Data Scientist We wrote earlier this year about how JUMP bikes were helping fill transportation gaps in Washington, DC and San Francisco, recognizing that it was just the start of a broader conversation about equity on the JUMP platform.… Continue reading Access to Bike Share for Communities Most in Need

ViaVan and Debono Group Launch Malta’s First-Ever Ridesharing Service

Published July 11, 2019 6:39 pm, Via NYC
ViaVan and Debono Group Launch Malta’s First-Ever Ridesharing Service
Cool is ViaVan’s tenth dynamic on-demand transit deployment in Europe, and the first service in Malta to offer shared rides

July 11, 2019 (MALTA) — ViaVan, the joint venture between global on-demand shared transit experts Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, today announced a new transportation venture in partnership with the Debono Group called Cool. The new on-demand shared transit network brings affordable and efficient shared rides to Malta beginning July 10.

Cool is Malta’s first-ever transportation service offering efficient, on-demand shared rides. By riding with Cool, users now have an affordable, eco-friendly, and efficient way to commute across the island nation.

“ViaVan is redefining public mobility across Europe, seamlessly integrating with public transport to provide fully on-demand and dynamic transportation solutions,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “Malta is an innovation-forward country, so we’re delighted to launch this groundbreaking on-demand service with Debono Group, providing everyone from residents to tourists with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing transportation alternative. This is truly a great example of a country embracing the future of mobility.”

Using the Cool app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. The Cool app is powered by advanced algorithms developed by ViaVan’s parent company, Via, 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.

“I welcome this initiative as one of the sustainable transportation options, which will contribute to reducing traffic on the roads,” said Dr. Ian Borg, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects. “Today most of the private vehicle journeys are completed by a single person. Ride-pooling can increase vehicle occupancy and deliver tangible benefits for both passengers and the environment such as saved costs fuel and parking, cleaner air and decreased the need for parking.”

During the launch period, vehicles will operate within a fixed zone covering: Attard, Balzan, Birguma, Birkirkara, Blata l-Bajda, Floriana, Gharghur, Gwardamangia, Gzira, Hamrun, Ibragg, Iklin, Imriehel, Kappara, Lija, Madliena, Marsa, Msida, Swatar, Swieqi, Paceville, Pembroke, Pieta, Qormi, San Gwann, Sliema, St. Julians, St. Venera, Ta Xbiex, and Valletta.

Following the launch stage, the service will be gradually extended to cover additional areas around the Maltese islands.

“Cool is our latest step in our endeavor to build a sustainable mobility ecosystem in Malta,” said Geoffrey Debono, the Group CEO. “Our aim is to make mobility on the island the most effective and efficient, yet simplest in the world. We look to enhance the experience offered to customers by leveraging technology to deliver best in class solutions that cater to customer needs and requirements. Cool ensures that the quickest routes are calculated dynamically in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours.”

Cool is a new project under the umbrella of the Debono Group. Following the successful launch of the GoTo car sharing platform in 2018, the mobility group turned to ViaVan to deliver another first to the Maltese islands.

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Cool smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Rides anywhere within the zone are a low flat fare of €4.95, and additional passengers are just €2.48 each, half of the standard price.

Via and ViaVan have 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 and ViaVan now have nearly 80 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

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 leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the leading manufacturer of iconic passenger and cargo vans. Working closely with cities and public transit operators, ViaVan powers dynamic mobility services that complement existing transportation infrastructure. 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. For more information, visit www.viavan.com.

Hubject and IoTecha partner to jumpstart smart EV charging systems including Plug&Charge

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (July 16, 2019) — Hubject, a globally recognized leader in simplifying electric vehicle charging with eRoaming and innovative infrastructure technology and processes, today announced its partnership with IoTecha, a company specializing in providing software and hardware solutions to support EV charging infrastructure. Together, the two companies will simplify the implementation and deployment… Continue reading Hubject and IoTecha partner to jumpstart smart EV charging systems including Plug&Charge

Laying the groundwork for self-driving vehicle safety

By: Eric Meyhofer, CEO of Uber Advanced Technologies Group Around the world, regulators, technology developers, and industry standard-setting bodies are already working on a range of approaches to self-driving vehicle safety. However, the complexity of self-driving technology and the variety in development approaches across the industry means that, to date, no single standard or test… Continue reading Laying the groundwork for self-driving vehicle safety

ViaVan Receives 3-Year License Renewal from TfL in London

Published July 15, 2019 8:39 am, Via NYC
ViaVan Receives 3-Year License Renewal from TfL in London
The UK’s leader in shared rides set sights on evolving the future of public transport in the capital

15 July 2019 (LONDON) — ViaVan, the joint-venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans in Europe, has been granted a 3-year Private Hire Vehicle Operator license renewal to continue to operate efficient on-demand shared transport in London by Transport for London (TfL).

“We are proud to receive the renewal of our license in London. We believe that ViaVan’s focus on smart, shared mobility is part of the solution to achieving the Mayor’s goal of 80% journeys by public transport, walking or biking by 2041,” said Chris Snyder, ViaVan CEO. “To actually get Londoners out of private vehicles and on-board with the city’s goals, it’s necessary to provide a technology-driven solution that combines the efficiency, comfort and convenience of a personal vehicle with the affordability and traffic-reducing benefits of public transport.”

Since its launch in April 2018, ViaVan has provided more than 7 million rides in London and saved 3 million vehicle kilometers by pooling multiple passengers into shared vehicles, resulting in more than 600,000 kilograms of CO2 saved. During this time, ViaVan expanded to serve London city-wide, and won a highly competitive tender to collaborate with TfL in launching London’s first demand-responsive bus pilot in the borough of Sutton, a project which is directly in line with the city’s vision for the future of transport.

A key point of differentiation for ViaVan in London is the company’s focus on the evolution of on-demand public transport to reduce single occupancy vehicles on the road and reduce the impact of rising congestion and harmful carbon emissions. Using powerful technology from U.S. provider Via, ViaVan has proven to be a strong solution for public transport operators and partners, not only in London with TfL but across the UK in both rural and urban areas.

Via’s technology powers the ArrivaClick service in Liverpool, Leicester and Sittingbourne. In Sittingbourne, 50 percent of ArrivaClick passengers have shifted from private modes of transport, and significant numbers use the service to connect to commuter train lines. In partnership with Go Ahead, ViaVan provides nearly 4,000 shared journeys a week in Oxford, and most recently launched GoSutton with TfL. ViaVan also launched a second UK consumer service in Milton Keynes in October 2018 that has provided more than 55K rides and saved more than 17,000 kilograms of CO2, with the introduction of electric vehicles to the fleet coming this fall.

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.

Careem NOW data shows that healthy intentions falter as the week…

Careem NOW data shows that healthier options are second only to Arabic food when it comes to ordering food delivery, but healthy intentions falter as the week progresses.

That people order more healthy food on the weekdays, compared to weekends, should come as no surprise, but Careem NOW data can reveal that our intentions to eat healthier food steadily diminishes throughout the week.

The highest number of healthy cuisine orders are placed on Sunday, representing nearly one-in-five of the total orders with the Careem NOW app in Dubai. That number gradually decreases as the week goes on and by Friday just one-in-ten orders are from the healthier options available.

But despite willpower to eat healthier sliding as the week goes on, healthier options are still the second-most ordered option overall. Arabic is the most-ordered cuisine, with one-in-four dishes requested for delivery coming from Arabic restaurants, but it seems Dubai is trying to eat healthier, even if willpower fades…

Late Night Cleanups for Passenger Messes

A sick passenger or spilled drink shouldn’t keep you off the road during busy weekend nights. We’ve partnered with on-demand car care provider Spiffy to find better ways to deal with messy passengers. Starting now, drivers in LA can get reimbursed interior car cleaning on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 10 PM to 6… Continue reading Late Night Cleanups for Passenger Messes