Sindiônibus and Via launch new on-demand public transportation service in Fortaleza, Brazil
December 4, 2019 (FORTALEZA, BRAZIL) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new on-demand public transportation service in Fortaleza, Brazil called TopBus+. Operated in partnership with leading Brazilian transit operator Sindiônibus, the service aims to provide a new form of public mobility focused on comfort, flexibility, and affordability, while reducing traffic congestion and pollution caused by carbon emissions.
Using the Top Bus+ app (iOS and Android), riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphones, promoting the use of sustainable, shared travel. 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.
The TopBus+ service will initially operate with 18 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, each with a total capacity of 13 passengers. Riders can request a ride anywhere within the Centro region, Iracema Beach, Aldeota, Mucuripe, Varjota, Papicu, City 2000, Cocó, Joaquim Távora, Fatima, Benfica, as well as some major shopping malls and area universities.
Sindiônibus selected Via as its technology partner for the service due to the company’s expertise and global presence. As the leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, Via partners with bus operators and transportation agencies around the world to connect more people to transit. Via has worked with some of the world’s leading operators including HP Transportes in Brazil and Arriva in the UK, as well as some of the world’s largest public transit agencies including the Los Angeles Metro, Transport for London (TfL), and Berlin’s Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).
How TopBus + Works
Passengers in Fortaleza can download the new TopBus+ app, register for an account, and then choose how many passengers are making the trip. After selecting the pick up and drop off locations, the app will show riders their vehicle number, the driver's name, and the meeting place where the driver will pick them up.
In order to eliminate long detours and wait times, the TopBus+ app smartly calculates pick-up and drop-off locations within a short walking distance from the passenger’s final destination, increasing efficiency. All vehicles are dynamically routed, meaning there are no fixed routes, bus schedules, or conventional bus stops.
Advantages of the New Service
TopBus+ is not only more convenient, it’s more comfortable. Each of the 18 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are equipped with air conditioning, padded seats, mobile phone chargers, and a modern visual identity. Plus, because there are no fixed routes, Via’s technology intelligently routes each van to bypass traffic congestion, getting riders to their destination more quickly.
Price and Payment Methods
TopBus+ charges a base fare of R$3.50 for each trip, with a fee of just R$1.50 per kilometer traveled. Plus, unlike traditional ride-hailing apps, there is no surge charges or dynamic pricing.
Traveling in a group also makes rides significantly cheaper. When one rider requests a van for multiple passengers, the total fare is much less than if each person had requested an individual ride. TopBus+ rewards groups that choose to ride together, reducing congestion in Fortaleza.
Riders can pay with credit cards and debit cards.
TopBus + is a new generation of public transportation, addressing major challenges in urban mobility like traffic and carbon emissions. By developing an efficient and cost-effective form of public transportation, TopBus+ will meet the commuting needs of people in Fortaleza.
About Sindiônibus
Sindiônibus (Union of Passenger Transport Companies of the State of Ceará) was formed by the bus companies of Fortaleza and Metropolitan Region for the study, coordination, protection and representation of the interests of the economy class in the area of public transportation. The union officially began its activities in 1951 and is composed of three areas: Operational Consortium (Planning and Operation), Transport-Voucher (Electronic Ticketing and Technology), and Headquarters (Administrative and Human Resources). There are currently 18 associated companies (11 urban and 7 metropolitan companies).
About Via
Via is reimagining how the world moves, from regulated systems with rigid routes and schedules to fully dynamic networks. 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 2013, Via’s technology is now deployed globally, including in Europe as ViaVan. Today Via and ViaVan partner with nearly 100 public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, school districts, and universities, seamlessly integrating with transportation infrastructure to power cutting-edge mobility. For more information, visit ridewithvia.com.