Ride-Sharing & Public Transit Integration: A New Planning Tool

Via Integrates On-Demand and Fixed Route Transit Planning

Via is introducing a novel product aimed at assisting cities in strategically integrating on-demand ride services with established fixed-route transit systems, such as buses and subways. This launch marks the first instance since the acquisition of Remix in March where Via is presenting a solution that merges Remix’s collaborative mapping and transit planning capabilities with its own data concerning on-demand transit.

Remix and Via: A Combined Approach

Previously, Via offered Remix’s analytical services to aid cities in planning public transportation improvements or identifying optimal locations for new bicycle lanes. The addition of this new tool empowers cities to model the potential replacement of certain routes with adaptable ride-sharing options, while simultaneously assessing which routes could benefit from enhanced bus or light rail service.

Currently undergoing beta testing in approximately a dozen cities, the software allows planners to evaluate metro or bus networks based on factors like ridership figures, demographic data, and the quality of service provided. Concurrently, it identifies potential areas for the implementation of ride-sharing services.

A First-of-its-Kind Planning Tool

Via asserts that its on-demand planning tool represents the first offering that genuinely enables cities to visualize the integration of on-demand services – those provided by companies like Via, RideCo, Treepz, or Swvl – into the broader public transit framework.

The tool’s current focus lies on implementing shared rides, however, expansion to encompass micromobility zone planning appears readily achievable.

Bridging the Gap Between Transit Models

“On-demand transit was historically treated as a separate entity, confined to specific projects,” explains Tiffany Chu, founder and SVP of Remix by Via, in an interview with TechCrunch. “Fixed-route transit, conversely, fell under the domain of traditional strategic planning teams. We are now uniting these two spheres to provide cities with a more comprehensive understanding of resource allocation prior to implementation.”

Addressing Diverse Transit Needs

Remix has reportedly received numerous requests for this type of tool over the years. These requests were particularly prevalent from rural agencies or smaller cities lacking a robust public transit system to adequately meet the community’s mobility requirements, according to Chu.

As cities strive to achieve their carbon emission reduction targets, they are actively seeking methods to encourage a shift in transportation modes away from private vehicle ownership.

Data-Driven Deployment of Flexible Systems

The tool’s intelligent algorithm leverages data points such as demographics, population density, employment profiles, car ownership rates, geographical features, and land use patterns. This allows cities to determine the most effective locations for deploying a flexible transit system, considering their existing public transit infrastructure.

The intention is not to diminish public transit, but rather to augment and improve its effectiveness, Chu emphasizes.

Simple Interaction and Resource Optimization

Using the tool is straightforward. A city planner simply defines a zone on a map, instantly generating relevant statistics based on data from existing flexible and on-demand services worldwide. This includes data from Via’s extensive network of over 500 global partnerships and nearly 100 million rides processed through Remix’s intelligent transport planning software.

Resource allocation can be precisely calculated. For example, planners can determine the expected wait times with a specific number of vehicles, or conversely, the number of vehicles needed to maintain a desired wait time.

Real-World Applications

In Seattle, Via is collaborating with King County Metro to plan transit solutions that connect commuters to the recently established light rail service, which currently runs north-south and will soon extend east-west.

The county aims to facilitate access to the train service without constructing extensive parking facilities near stations, and is partnering with Via to identify optimal locations for on-demand zones around the new light rail stations.

“The on-demand planning tool proved invaluable as a starting point for defining our service areas and determining the level of service we can provide within our current budget,” stated Casey Gifford, innovative mobility senior planner, in a public statement.

Miami-Dade County's Transit Redesign

Miami-Dade County has been utilizing Remix for the past two years to comprehensively redesign its transit network, which will involve the reduction of service on underperforming fixed routes with limited ridership.

“I was able to demonstrate that, with the same number of vehicles, we could offer improved service and conserve resources that could be redirected to increase the frequency of fixed routes on high-demand lines,” explained Carlos Cruz-Casas, assistant director of Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation, in a statement.

Note: This article has been updated to clarify that the on-demand planning tool is a product of Via, not Remix.