On-demand app expands ride-sharing services in NSW

Keolis Downer is expanding its ride-sharing on-demand service in NSW, Australia.

Following success since its launch in Newcastle in January 2018, the on demand service will now provide better access to public transport for an additional 27,000 residents in the Lake Macquarie area.

The app based service works by seamlessly matching multiple passengers travelling in the same direction in real time. It has seen average growth of 12 per cent month-on-month, with over 3,000 customer trips taken on demand in May 2019.

The On Demand area will expand from 25km² to 56km² to include Charlestown, Dudley, Whitebridge, Gateshead, Redhead, Warners Bay, Mount Hutton, Windale, Tingira Heights, Eleebana, Croudace Bay, Valentine, Belmont North and Belmont areas.

David Franks, CEO for Keolis Downer, said the on demand service compliments the broader Newcastle Transport integrated network and is well suited to the Lake Macquarie area as it is able to provide public transport between origins and destinations that regular route bus services cannot provide.

“Over 68 per cent of customer trips cannot be taken by a regular route service. These flexible, non-regular routes encourage the use of public transport by providing mobility options for all, in areas where daily demand is variable.”

Developed in a partnership with New York-based tech company Via, the mobile app enables the service to be booked live and provides customers with real time information about their journey.

“We are delighted by the success of Newcastle Transport On Demand and are thrilled to see the service expand,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “Australia is one of the world’s leaders in transforming public mobility from rigid fixed-route schedules into a fully flexible on demand network. This service in Newcastle is a great example of a city embracing the future of mobility.”

Keolis Downer also operates two trials in Sydney powered by Via, including in the Northern Beaches area and in the City of Ryde/Macquarie Park precinct.