ViaVan, Europe’s leader in public mobility, and STOAG Stadtwerke Oberhausen GmbH, the public transport authority in Oberhausen, announce the launch of a new fully electric, on-demand shared ride service that fills the gaps during evening hours when public transit is less available.
Powered by ViaVan’s technology, the REVIERFLITZER service complements and extends the existing public transit network of STOAG, and aims to reduce private vehicle usage by attracting riders with an efficient, affordable and sustainable public transit offering, booked through a mobile app.
With many cities across Europe urgently seeking ways to reduce private vehicle traffic in city centers, on-demand service powered by EVs and ViaVan's technology are proving to be environmentally sustainable and highly convenient alternatives to private car trips.
Using the REVIERFLITZER mobile app, passengers will select a pickup and dropoff location within the service zone and confirm their ride. Once a ride is booked, ViaVan’s advanced technology matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction into a single vehicle. By routing vehicles in real-time, ViaVan is able to minimize detours, reducing added vehicle miles while providing a highly efficient rider experience. As social distancing measures are still in place at the launch of the service, a maximum of three out of six seats will be available to book, and drivers will be separated from passengers with a window pane. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
“Thanks to the demand-oriented, bundled transport of several passengers coupled with user-friendly, digital application and intelligent technology, such offers can make the use of your own car superfluous in the future,” said Sabine Lauxen, Oberhausen Head of Environmental Affairs. “The REVIERFLITZER perfectly supports the goal of promoting environmentally-friendly, sustainable mobility in Oberhausen, and reducing nitrogen oxide pollution.”
“We worked with ViaVan to develop the app,” said Werner Overkamp, STOAG Managing Director. “With ViaVan, STOAG has opted for a software expert who has been tried and tested for years, and now coordinates shared trips in many cities around the world including Berlin. With the REVIERFLITZER, STOAG wants to offer a real alternative to owning a car. We aim to make public transport more attractive to passengers, while complementing our existing infrastructure, and remain committed to our core competence of transporting several passengers together from one destination to another.”
“Mobility needs are becoming more and more individual. With the REVIERFLITZER we are really breaking new ground and have an innovative, flexible range of mobility for Oberhausen,” said Denis Osmann, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of STOAG. “The London taxis are legendary, with a driving experience that is something special. That is why I believe that Oberhausen residents are curious about the service, and will be happy to use it.”
“Technology-enabled solutions like the REVIERFLITZER have the power to provide safe, efficient and sustainable access to public transportation, while complementing and extending existing transit infrastructure,” said Chris Snyder, ViaVan CEO. “We are proud to partner with STOAG to introduce a new form of flexible, on-demand mobility in Oberhausen that creates a compelling, environmentally conscious alternative to the private car, especially in evening hours when public transport is less available."
The REVIERFLITZER will launch in the north of Oberhausen covering areas north of the A 42, including the Neue Mitte and Lipperfield. The service will operate in the evening hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday.
ViaVan powers dynamic mobility services across Germany, including the award-winning BerlKönig in Berlin and BerlKönig B/C in Brandenberg, both with Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), as well as services in Bielefeld with moBiel and Lübeck with SVHL. In Berlin, ViaVan has provided more than 1.5 million rides, with nights and weekends proving to be a popular use case. ViaVan also powers corporate mobility services for BASF and Daimler.
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 leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the leading manufacturer of iconic passenger and cargo vans. Working closely with cities and public transit operators, ViaVan powers dynamic mobility services that complement existing transportation infrastructure. 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. For more information, visit www.viavan.com.