ViaVan deploy ride sharing service to reduce London congestion

ViaVan, the joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, has launched a ride-sharing service in London that aims to reduce congestion and emissions by grouping app-users travelling in the same direction into one vehicle. Additionally, the company intends to offer a more affordable alternative than private car services between the capital’s zones one and two. It is now offering trips costing £3 ($2.14) for a limited period. Through the app, users select their pick up and drop off location and
April 6, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

8734 ViaVan, the joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, has launched a ride-sharing service in London that aims to reduce congestion and emissions by grouping app-users travelling in the same direction into one vehicle.

Additionally, the company intends to offer a more affordable alternative than private car services between the capital’s zones one and two. It is now offering trips costing £3 ($2.14) for a limited period.

Through the app, users select their pick up and drop off location and confirm their ride. The technology directs passengers to a virtual bus stop to start or finish their journey with the intention of enabling quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours.

The service is powered by Via’s dynamic ride-pooling technology which is said to have provided more than 30 million shared rides globally in countries such as Australia to California. London is the second city to trial ViaVan following an initial deployment in Amsterdam last month, according to the company. 

Luca Parducci, general manager of ViaVan London, said: "Londoners are amongst the savviest of consumers, always looking for the right mix of quality, cost, convenience, and social impact. Unlike competitors' pooling solutions, we're confident that ViaVan will be a huge hit - a comfortable and convenient way to get around that you can feel good about."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Mexico City seeks solutions to improve air quality
    December 6, 2017
    David Crawford ponders prospects for one of the world’s most congested and polluted cities. In 1992, the United Nations named Mexico City as the world’s most polluted urban centre. In the first half of 2016, following the updating of pollution alert limits to meet international standards, Mexico recorded 115 days where ozone concentrations exceeded the acute exposure health limit.
    Read More
  • MaaS will be adopted quicker in Europe than in the US: here’s why
    December 5, 2018
    A new report suggests that MaaS will be implemented more quickly in Europe than in the US – but why should this be? Ben Spencer examines the arguments
    Read More
  • Evolving technology - debating the future of the ITS industry
    January 25, 2012
    Harry Voccola talks to ITS International about where he sees the intelligent transportation industry heading
    Read More
  • AV technology ‘could reduce congestion’, says Australian minister
    February 26, 2019
    Congestion costs would drop by more than a quarter if automated vehicles (AVs) account for 30% of kilometres travelled, says Alan Tudge, Australia’s minister for cites urban infrastructure and population. Speaking at the Australia-New Zealand Cities Symposium in Sydney, Tudge revealed findings from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics. “They estimate it would drop from $37 billion of avoidable congestion to $27 billion,” Tudge says. A 30km freeway journey in Melbourne has increas
    Read More

Highlighted Content