The expansion area was selected by popular vote from ViaVan riders
April 2, 2018 (Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire)-- ViaVan, the joint venture between Via, the world’s experts in on-demand shared transit, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, is expanding its Milton Keynes service. ViaVan Milton Keynes will now include Caledecotte and Magna Park, home to several major industrial parks and large employers in the area. Driven by the high demand for the service in its first 6 months since launch, the expansion will see the Milton Keynes service zone increase by more than 30%.
“At ViaVan, our goal is to eliminate the need for private car ownership by providing affordable and convenient on-demand shared transportation that can seamlessly integrate with existing public transit,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “We’re delighted to be expanding in Milton Keynes, providing greater access for residents to key transit points, businesses, and recreational locations in the area.”
The service has been tremendously popular with residents. More than 25,000 rides have been completed since launch, and hundreds of riders took part in the survey to vote on where to expand next. While Caledecotte and Magna Park were the winners this time around, ViaVan plans to expand to more of Milton Keynes later this year.
Passengers can book a shared Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer through the ViaVan app, which utilises Via’s sophisticated algorithm to dynamically route shared rides across Milton Keynes, matching passengers headed in the same direction in real time along the most efficient route. By grouping multiple passengers into a single shared vehicle, ViaVan reduces congestion and emissions, providing an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and convenient transportation alternative to private car journeys.
In the United Kingdom, Via’s technology powers services in Liverpool and Sittingbourne in partnership with Arriva, and in Oxford in partnership with Go-Ahead. Since launching in London last year, ViaVan has already provided more than 6 million rides, and announced a collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) for a demand-responsive bus project in the borough of Sutton.
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. 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, and in Berlin in partnership with the city’s public transit authority. 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.