A new demand-responsive transport (DRT) service has been launched in Melbourne, Australia following a partnership between bus provider Ventura, Department of Transport Victoria and mobility company Moovit.
Following the collaboration, bus operator Ventura has replaced its Telebus solution with the new FlexiRide app and transport service.
East Melbourne locals can use the FlexiRide app to plan their journeys and book DRT rides to and from Ferntree Gully Station and Stud Park Shopping Centre.
The FlexiRide app is powered by Moovit’s white label app solution. With FlexiRide’s DRT service powered by Moovit’s on-demand solution, a routed transport system automatically assigns multiple passengers heading in the same direction to a shared vehicle.
“We are excited to partner with Ventura and Department of Transport Victoria to power the FlexiRide app and new service to provide Rowville and Ferntree Gully residents shorter wait times and a much smoother journey to the busiest transport hubs” said Yovav Meydad, chief growth and marketing officer at Moovit.
“Complementary to traditional modes of transport, FlexiRide can help residents get around efficiently and conveniently without the need for a private vehicle.”
In addition to booking DRT rides, the FlexiRide app combines official information from local transport agencies in Melbourne and the surrounding area as well as crowdsourced information to calculate the best route for each journey.
The app provides urban mobility options such as buses, trains and trams, as well as real-time arrival information so users know exactly when their service is arriving.
Furthermore, a live directions feature with ‘get off’ alerts provides step-by-step guidance for the entire journey. Service alerts enable users to avoid disruptions and plan their journey accordingly.
FlexiRide also incorporates accessibility features, aiding people with disabilities to use public transportation. The app is optimised with screen-reading features for low-vision users, including talkback and voiceover capabilities.
It also identifies wheelchair-accessible routes and stations and calculates step-free routes. And is designed with optimised menus and buttons for those with hand-motor disabilities.
Read more: Moovit adds bus crowding and wheelchair information to app
