The third ArrivaClick deployment in the UK will bring an innovative mobility solution to a major housing development in the region
April 29, 2019 (Leicester, United Kingdom) — ViaVan, the joint venture between global on-demand shared transit experts Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, announced the third deployment of ArrivaClick, the microtransit service operated by Europe’s leading passenger transport provider, Arriva.
The ArrivaClick service in Leicester, England aims to connect more residents with public transportation. It operates in partnership with Drummond Estate for New Lubbesthorpe, bringing on-demand connections with existing bus and train networks, providing flexible connections to Leicester City Centre.
Starting April 29, ArrivaClick will offer service to a 29-square-kilometer area in the Drummond Estate development, one of the largest new housing developments in the East Midlands. The partnership also represents the first time in the UK that a Section 106 agreement has been used to fund a digitised Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service.
The service is powered by Via’s advanced algorithm, which enables multiple riders to seamlessly share a single vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby corner — a virtual bus stop — for pick up and drop off, and dynamically routes the vehicle in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
“ViaVan was formed to redefine public mobility across Europe, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide fully on-demand and dynamic transportation solutions,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Arriva."
ArrivaClick already successfully operates in Sittingbourne, Kent, and in Liverpool, where it operates the largest DRT of its type in the UK. Research carried out by Arriva found that in these areas, up to 40% of passengers travel via private cars, younger passengers are more likely to adopt public transport, and up to 56% use the service so they don’t have to find a parking space at their destination.
“Customers want more convenient travel, so we need to apply innovative solutions to public transport problems and a realistic alternative to private car ownership if we are to tackle urban congestion and improve air quality,” said Asiya Jelani, Business Development Director at ArrivaClick.
“This pioneering approach means shorter end-to-end journey times and thousands of virtual bus stops,” Jelani added. “It presents a lower cost option that is easily flexible and has shown to be attractive to non-traditional bus users in other areas. Customers choose it because it is affordable and meets their needs.”
Passengers can book an ArrivaClick vehicle, pre-pay and reserve a space for a pram or wheelchair within the app. On board, there is Wi-Fi, extra legroom and high-backed comfortable seats for up to fifteen passengers per vehicle.
ArrivaClick is a cornerstone of the New Lubbesthorpe development, which covers the area from Leicester Forest East in the north to Enderby in the south, straddling the M69. The on-demand service will give residents of the development flexibility to work, learn and enjoy their leisure time.
About ViaVan
ViaVan is a leading provider of innovative on-demand shared transit services in Europe. ViaVan was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between Via, the world’s most sophisticated developer of dynamic shared rides technology, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the leading manufacturer of iconic passenger and cargo vans. Working closely with cities and public transit operators, ViaVan powers dynamic shared mobility services that complement existing transportation infrastructure, and currently operates in London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Milton Keynes. Through their partnership, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via are also collaborating on the development of advanced mobility solutions, from sensor technology, to electric vehicle fleet management, to autonomous driving.