Technology milestone will expand access to on-demand public transport in Queensland
November 30, 2020 (QUEENSLAND) -- An important public transport milestone was reached this month with the signing of a new partnership between TransLink and Via, the global leader in TransitTech, for the development of demand responsive public transport services in Queensland.
As part of the partnership, most current and future on-demand transport services will be powered by technology from Via, and will complement existing public transport services while introducing flexible and dynamic transport offerings.
Head of TransLink Matt Longland said the technology behind pre-booked and shared services was critical to deliver efficient and customer focused services, and the new partnership with Via would accelerate delivery across the network.
"We are really pleased to announce TransLink's partnership with Via, the leader in on-demand technology with global experience," said Longland. "This investment complements our $371 million investment in Smart Ticketing which is being currently rolled out across Queensland.”
"On-demand services are a complementary form of public transport, filling the gap in the mobility spectrum between a regular service bus route and a variable, highly-personalised service offered by taxis or other booked hire services,” said Longland. “Innovative, on-demand public transport doesn't just happen, and our partnership with Via is the first step toward delivering an integrated technology solution that meets service needs and customer expectations."
Via Partnerships Lead Ben Hague said Via was proud to partner with TransLink to establish the future of on-demand public transport in Queensland.
"Via’s technology and platform will provide a flexible and comprehensive solution that will enable TransLink to greatly expand the reach of on-demand transport services, while strengthening existing public transport services," said Hague. "We are now working toward technology that can be delivered on smart and mobile devices; for use by customers, drivers, delivery partners and staff to enable planning, booking and payment of an on-demand journey."
Demand-responsive transport in Queensland currently operates in Ipswich, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Logan, and Mt. Tamborine, with two more services announced for Nerang and Helensvale. Unlike traditional bus networks that rely on routes and schedules, demand-responsive public transport allows passenger flexibility, with varying service models operating in different locations.
Mr. Longland said the partnership with Via would immediately start on detailed planning to deliver new technology that would be trialled in various locations as early as next year.
"We are working on confirming the design and utilisation of key features and ensuring our all staff are fully trained before we roll out any version of the new technology," he said.
Via has been tapped by cities and transportation operators around the world to use software solutions to re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic network. Via now has more than 150 launched partnerships in more than 25 countries using on-demand solutions to reimagine transport. In addition to Via’s partnership with TransLink, the company has a growing footprint in Australia and New Zealand, including services in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Auckland, Canberra, and Timaru.
About Via
Founded in 2012, Via pioneered the TransitTech category by using new technologies to power public mobility systems, optimizing networks of dynamic shuttles, buses, wheelchair accessible vehicles, school buses, and autonomous vehicles around the globe. Building the world’s most efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation network for all riders — including those with limited mobility, those without smartphones, and unbanked populations — Via works with its partners to lower the cost of public transit and provide accessible options that rival the convenience of a personal car at a much reduced environmental impact. At the intersection of transportation and technology, Via is a visionary market leader that combines software innovation with sophisticated service design and operational expertise to fundamentally improve the way the world moves, with 150 global partners on six continents, and counting.