ioki: "Kexi" shuttles also in Neustadt

The Kelheim district has expanded its on-demand service "Kexi" to Neustadt a.d. Donau as announced – since March 1st, two additional express buses have been operating on flexible routes and strengthening the existing local transport network.

"Mobility is a valuable asset. Our goal is to sustainably ensure regional accessibility and thus the social participation of all district residents with modern and future-proof mobility. With KEXI, we are on the right track. KEXI offers more mobility and comfort. The plan is to expand the demand-based transport service to the entire district," said Martin Neumeyer, District Administrator of the Kelheim district.

Unfortunately (still) not electric

Two Ford Transit Custom Diesel vehicles, named "Lotti-Mobil" and "Baldi-Mobil," are in use, offering space for six passengers. The Baldi-Mobil is accessible with a wheelchair ramp and has a designated wheelchair spot on board. Both vehicles also have a child seat and two booster seats, Wi-Fi, and USB ports. Passengers can book their ride up to seven days in advance either via the "Kexi" app or free of charge by phone. The shuttles operate from Monday to Friday between 6 AM and 8 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 8 PM, serving over 140 stops throughout the entire city area – based on the passengers' travel requests and without a fixed schedule. After booking, the app guides passengers to the pick-up point. The algorithm of DB subsidiary ioki consolidates ride requests and forms ride shares. Masks are mandatory during the ride. The fare is zone-based and costs two or three euros per person and ride, while one ride is free with the purchase of a six-ride ticket. Children and seniors pay 1.50 euros in Zone 1 and two euros in Zone 2.

Background

Since 2019, DB has augmented local transport in Germany with around 330 on-demand services, transporting over 7 million passengers. In Neustadt a.d. Donau, RBO Regionalbus Ostbayern, CleverShuttle, and ioki jointly implement the demand-based service. RBO Regionalbus Ostbayern coordinates the project and procures the minibuses. The software company ioki provides the digital operating system with the intelligent algorithm for "Kexi." CleverShuttle operates the service – from fleet management and data-driven traffic control to managing the driving personnel.