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    1. Alt. Mobility
    2. Shared Mobility
    3. Car Sharing

    Cupertino taps Via to provide new on-demand public transportation network

    Oct. 8, 2019
    Residents and commuters will soon be able to hail a Via anywhere within the city of Cupertino, improving public transit and enabling easier connections to CalTrain.
    Related To: Via Transportation
    Via
    Via Ridershare 5d9cc10331027

    Via’s mobility services are coming to the city of Cupertino, Calif., starting Oct. 29 to offer a new on-demand public transportation network.

    Residents and commuters in Cupertino will be able to use the Via app (or phone reservation system) to hail a shuttle directly from their mobile devices, providing more efficient connections to CalTrain and increasing connectivity across the city. 

    Cupertino’s new partnership with Via allows riders to hail a shared ride right when they need it. The on-demand transit network will span 11-square miles — the entirety of the city of Cupertino — with a satellite zone surrounding the Sunnyvale CalTrain station for commuters. By making public transportation more comfortable, convenient and affordable, city leaders hope to encourage residents to leave their private vehicles at home, reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.

    “This partnership with Via is the next generation of what public transportation can be, allowing us to increase mobility while taking a step toward our larger goal of reducing traffic congestion across Cupertino,” said Cupertino Mayor Steven Scharf.

    Using the Via app (iOS and Android), riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone or tablet. Via’s algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the same vehicle. The technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

    “Via's powerful technology is seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure around the globe, redefining the way people get around cities," said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. "We're delighted to join forces with city leadership to bring this cutting-edge, on-demand shuttle system to Cupertino, providing residents with a convenient, affordable and congestion-reducing dynamic transportation alternative."

    Via will operate at $5 per ride, with weekly and monthly passes available for just $17 a week and $60 a month. Service will operate Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    In partnership with Avis Budget Group, the service will start with six Cupertino-branded Mercedes Metris vans, which seat six passengers in addition to a driver, growing to 10 vehicles over time. The fleet will also include a wheelchair accessible vehicle for riders needing greater accessibility. Avis Budget Group helps to provide turnkey fleet management service, including maintaining the vehicles to ensure they are ready to hit the road and provide on-demand public mobility solutions to the city of Cupertino.