Stuttgart trams are revamping their on-demand concept

Under the name "SSB Flex 2.0," the Stuttgarter Straßenbahn AG (SSB) revamped its on-demand transport service on January 7, 2021. The technology partner for the passenger and driver apps is now ViaVan, the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Vans and the Canadian company Via. It replaces Daimler subsidiary moovel, with which the concept was launched in June 2018 and, before the COVID-19 pandemic, last saw around 3,600 customers transported per month.

With the switch to ViaVan, features include an app operation for the visually impaired, online booking, the ability for customer-driver communication at pickup, as well as English as an alternative to the German language. A telephone booking option, primarily intended for seniors with lesser smartphone proficiency, is also being prepared.

On the vehicle side, SSB aims to gradually expand its fleet with electric vans of the EQV type. The introduction of barrier-free vehicles with special booking is also planned, for which the company has not yet provided further details. The city of Stuttgart is heavily subsidizing their acquisition.

What does this mean?

With the SSB Flex project, the project partners aim to strengthen public transportation in areas and at times where there are currently gaps in the service. They want to make it more appealing for citizens to forego their own cars. The on-demand service has already been available throughout the city area on all seven days of the week.