TransLink innovation call results in new multimodal partnerships
Providing customers with convenient bundled mobility services will be the focus of a new partnership between TranslInk and Evo Car Share, Modo Co-operative and Mobi by Shaw Go. TransLink believes proving multimodal offerings will make travel easier, more convenient and more seamless for Metro Vancouver residents.
The partnership with the three local companies is the result of TransLink's first Open Innovation Call, which queried individuals, entrepreneurs, academics and industry insiders to present their ideas on the future of mobility in the region. TransLink evaluated 90 submissions against a specified set of criteria and the successful proponents were selected by an internal panel.
“We’ve heard from people throughout Metro Vancouver that they want more options to get around the region and we believe this partnership creates an opportunity to explore how we help do that,” said TransLink’s CEO Kevin Desmond. “TransLink will continue to be on the forefront of exploring how we use new technology and new ideas to move people reliably, conveniently and sustainably.”
Evo Car Share and Modo Co-operative offer on-demand car sharing services in the Metro Vancouver area, while Mobi by Shaw Go offers bike sharing services.
All three shared mobility companies expressed excitement to work together and with TransLink. Eric Hopkins, chief strategic ventures officer and chief digital officer for British Columbia Automobile Association, which operates Evo Car Share, said the partnership will "find simple and seamless ways for people to get where they need to go and enjoy all that the Vancouver region has to offer."
“Having access to multiple modes of active and sustainable transportation is key to reducing the number of private vehicles on our roads, while improving livability in our region,” said Patrick Nangle, CEO of Modo Co-operative. “This collaboration gives us a real opportunity to improve mobility access and convenience for our members and the community at large.”
Laura Beattie, special projects/customer service manager of Mobi by Shaw Go, added that the partnership will provide more first- and last-mile trip solutions while showcasing a joint commitment to shaping the future of mobility.
The Open Innovation Call is a part of TransLink's larger New Mobility initiative which examines broader transportation trends to better understand evolving consumer demands and travel patterns. Seamless mobility was identified as a priority in the Mayors’ Council 10 Year Vision and funding towards advancing this objective has been earmarked under the Phase 1 Investment Plan.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
