ViaVan launches new on-demand service in Gütersloh

The motto "Book individually, get in, and arrive" is the program for the new app-based on-demand mobility service "Shuttle – Picks you up" by Mercedes-Benz Vans joint venture partner ViaVan and Stadtbus Gütersloh, which has expanded access to affordable, efficient, and comfortable public transportation (ÖPNV) in the East Westphalian metropolis since early December.

Sponsored Pilot Project

The new offering is sponsored by the NRW Ministry of Transport, which had already classified the innovative on-demand service as worthy of support in the spring within the state competition "Mobil.NRW – Model Project Innovative Public Transportation in Rural Areas." A total of 3 million euros is to flow into the project by the end of 2023. Of this, 75% of the funds provided are funded by the state, and the remaining 25% is covered by the city of Gütersloh. Over the next three years, "Shuttle – Picks you up" will be closely monitored, evaluated, and progressively adapted and further developed based on the experiences made.

Flexible Addition to the City Bus

"Shuttle – Picks you up" complements the route offerings of Stadtbus Gütersloh and closes the connection gap that previously existed between the Gütersloh districts of Avenwedde, Isselhorst, and Friedrichsdorf during the day and on weekdays. Passengers can use the new service there from Monday to Friday between 7 AM and 7 PM and on Saturdays between 8 AM and 7 PM. During the evening hours, from 7 PM, the service is available throughout the city area from Monday to Thursday until 12:30 AM, on Fridays and Saturdays until 2 AM, and on Sundays and holidays from 8 AM to 12:30 AM.

How It Works

"Shuttle – Picks you up" is fully digitally set up with ViaVan's software. Via an app, available for iOS and Android, passengers can select their starting and destination points on their smartphones and are then automatically assigned to a shuttle vehicle. For similar route requests, ViaVan's algorithm ensures that passengers can conveniently share a vehicle. This results in minimal detours, maximum capacity utilization, and environmentally friendly mobility. Additionally, passengers can track their journey in real-time in the app at any time.

Costs

The price per person and trip is 3 euros with a customer subscription in the WestfalenTarif and 4 euros without a subscription. Billing is done via PayPal, credit card, or prepaid card directly in the app. The vehicles are wheelchair accessible and can carry up to seven passengers.

"With the introduction of a flexibly usable shuttle service, we are rethinking mobility in Gütersloh. The principle of environmentally friendly carpooling not only provides a positive incentive to share vehicles with other passengers but is also an important lever for increased efficiency in urban traffic. However, this only works if we enable individuals to leave their cars and switch conveniently, quickly, and easily. In this respect, 'Shuttle – Picks you up' closes an important gap between our city bus and individual transportation," explains Stadtbus Managing Director Ralf Libuda.

ViaVan's software is not only in use in Gütersloh, but also successfully employed in "BerlKönig" in Berlin (BVG), "Isi" in Cologne (KVB), "Anton" in Bielefeld (moBiel), and the "REVIERFLITZER" in Oberhausen (STOAG).

More information at: https://www.shuttle-gt.de/