Skip to content

Keolis Downer launches new on-demand service

October 29, 2019 (Newcastle, AUSTRALIA) — A new real-time on-demand transport service has started in Newcastle this week. The service is a 12-month trial that is part of the Newcastle Smart City Program led by the City of Newcastle.

Newcastle On Demand will further optimize the Newcastle Transport network by giving inner-city residents a new option to reach key CBD locations or to connect with other modes of transport such as the Newcastle Interchange, light rail, existing bus services and Broadmeadow Station. It will pick up customers from a designated point within the service area and take them to a designated point close to their destination.

To deliver this service, Keolis Downer has partnered with New York-based tech company Via and car-sharing service GoGet to deliver the world-class technology that allows live bookings and provides real time information.

Keolis Downer CEO, David Franks, said Newcastle On Demand would be a dynamic public transport service that is tailored to meet individual community needs.

“Newcastle On Demand will be an easy, stress-free way to commute into the city in the morning and home in the evening.

“Through the existing on-demand service in Lake Macquarie and the other on-demand services we operate in Sydney, we have seen that these flexible transport options provide a great alternative to individual cars and encourage the use of shared mobility solutions.

“Our Lake Macquarie on-demand service has over 5,000 passenger trips each month because customers love the personalised experience and the relationships they build with our drivers.”

Via Co-founder and CEO, Daniel Ramot, said: “We're thrilled to see continued investment in on-demand services in the Newcastle region. With this innovative on-demand approach to public transport, Newcastle continues to be a model for modern and smart cities across Australia."

Details on the Newcastle On Demand service:

  • The service commenced on Monday 28 October 2019
  • The service will operate Monday to Friday, between 6:30am and 9:00am in the morning and between 3:30pm and 6:30pm in the afternoon
  • Cost is $3.20 per trip. Customers can pay using their Opal card or credit/debit card
  • Three vehicles will be used: two six-passenger KIA Carnivals and an 11-passenger VW Crafter with a wheelchair access
  • The service can be booked using the Newcastle Transport On Demand app available on the App Store or Google Play.