CleverShuttle ceases B2C operations and focuses on public transport

The on-demand mobility service CleverShuttle has announced the cessation of its B2C business as part of its strategic realignment and will henceforth focus on integration and cooperation within public transport. This decision is also attributed to the pandemic-related decline in passenger numbers. The independently-run operation of the service, founded as a start-up in 2014, will end in Leipzig in January 2022. Instead of directly addressing the end customer market, the company intends to continue its activities as a partner for cities, districts, and public transport companies. The discontinuation of the ride service is carried out in agreement with the joint venture partner Madsack Media Group.

“In the future, we want to directly link our electric ride-pooling service with public transport. This way, we can reach more passengers and contribute more to the mobility transition. Our goal is to make public transport widely attractive and flexibly available with on-demand ride-pooling by closing service gaps that would otherwise only be manageable with private cars. This gives more people access to emission-free mobility. To achieve this, we are increasingly collaborating with partners from the transport sector,” explains Bruno Ginnuth, co-founder and CEO of CleverShuttle.

In the first year of its realignment, the provider has already implemented eight public transport-integrated on-demand services for municipal public transport companies and has established itself as Germany's leading operator of on-demand ride-pooling in public transport. Four more services are scheduled to start in spring 2022.

Corona Crisis: Up to 70 Percent Fewer Passengers

In Leipzig, the enduring Corona crisis has also contributed to the decision, in addition to the strategic realignment. Passenger numbers in recent months were up to 70 percent lower compared to pre-crisis times. Since December 2016, CleverShuttle has been operating with up to 64 electric vehicles in Leipzig. Overall, more than a million passengers have used the ride service.

However, the company intends to remain active for passengers in Leipzig in the future as well. As the operator of the on-demand service “Flexa,” the DB subsidiary will continue to operate in the north and southeast of the city on behalf of Leipzig Public Transport (LVB). The neighborhood service, which can be booked via app and phone, is integrated into the MDV tariff. Additionally, the existing operations base in Leipzig will be expanded into a regional hub. From there, the company plans to manage public transport-integrated on-demand services in eastern Germany in the future.

Leipzig Location to be Maintained

Currently, CleverShuttle employs around 170 staff members at its Leipzig location, who were informed early on about the site's realignment. The workforce at the operations base will remain employed without changes. The company, together with DB and other local partner companies, is seeking solutions for the affected drivers. CleverShuttle can take on some of them in its public transport-integrated “Flexa” shuttle service, it said. DB has advertised numerous jobs in the region for skilled workers and career changers. Additionally, information and consultation services will be provided. Customers will be informed in the coming weeks about the exact timing of the cessation of the ride service.