Deutsche Bahn’s mobility business unit Ioki is set to launch its first demand responsive transport (DRT) project in France with mobility start-up VanO.
The software company will supply its smart ride pooling technology for the project, while VanO is responsible for the operation.
The service in the city of Les Mureaux, 40km west of Paris, starts on Saturday [11 December] and is intended to improve the mobility for residents, especially beyond the regular operating hours of public transport.
“The recent development of new forms of mobility: free-floating bicycles and scooters, short-distance carpooling shows that it is possible to offer innovations in the field of daily mobility directly to the general public working alongside with local authorities, said Hugues Hansen, CEO and founder of VanO.
“VanO offers a new mobility service, a demand responsive van, accessible to all, intend-ed for medium-sized towns.”
Ioki will provide the operating system for the digital mobility solution – passengers can book the shuttle in real time or in advance via a mobile application.
The company added the intelligent algorithm of the platform forms carpools between passengers with similar origins and destinations. The platform has been designed to ensures efficient utilisation of vehicle capacity and help protect the climate, as well as reduce urban congestion.
Virtual stops will be created in the city, with the shuttle working to facilitate the daily commute by connecting new areas and increasing the frequency during off-peak hours.
VanO added its service works to close the gap between the existing bus infrastructure and strengthens individual mobility without a car in the city of Les Mureaux. The on-demand shuttle is provided by VanO’s partner Toyota France and offers space for up to eight people.
“Our innovative technology, which we are offering on the French market for the first time, ensures environmentally friendly, inclusive and safe mobility. In this way, we significantly improve people’s quality of life,” said Benjamin Pfeifer, chief commercial officer Ioki.
“The project shows how demand responsive transport can fill specific mobility gaps. The inclusive character of this project matches our vision of connecting people and shaping the future of public transport.”
