close

Padam Mobility News

Reflecting on a Remarkable Year: Padam Mobility’s 2023 in Review

2023 has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have shaped our organisation. Join us as we embark on a retrospective journey, month by month, in which we summarise the highlights of our growth and successes. 

January

Île-de-France-Mobilités extends Partnership with Padam Mobility for 4 Years

The decided extension of the partnership with Île-de-France-Mobilités and the successful TAD IDFM service at the end of 2022 gave us a positive start to the new year. The On-Demand network we’ve been operating since 2019 is now the largest in the world. A success that we will expand further in the coming year with exciting projects.

Regional DRT Service of the German Transport Association VGI expands further

The VGI-Flexi Service, which we have been operating since June 2022 in collaboration with the Verkehrsverbund Großraum Ingolstadt, significantly increased its reach this year. In January, the third service area was already added to the app, marking the beginning of a sustainable success story for local On-Demand offerings.

February

WeCommute, powered by Padam Mobility, offers smart Commuting Solutions 

In February, we announced our partnership with WeCommute, a provider of innovative transport solutions that help companies offer accessible, affordable, and convenient transportation. The specialist in smart commuting provides a flexible fleet of minibuses and buses powered by Padam Mobility’s intelligent, demand-responsive transport algorithms.

Ziad Khoury, co-founder of Padam Mobility, is leaving the company after nine years 

A face that Padam Mobility will surely miss, yet gratitude for all that Ziad has achieved for the company prevails. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors and look forward to any future reunions!

March

UK Club Client in Birmingham

Our close collaboration and feedback from our customers are essential to us. In March, we organized a meeting with our customers in the UK to discuss wishes, critiques, and the future of On-Demand services. These meetings are valuable for both our customers and us to continue developing our product to best meet our customers’ needs.

April

Mobility Summit in Hanover, Germany 

Our close collaboration and feedback from our customers are essential to us. In March, we organized a meeting with our customers in the UK to discuss wishes, critiques, and the future of On-Demand services. These meetings are valuable for both our customers and us to continue developing our product to best meet our customers’ needs.

May 

Webinar: Accessing rural bus services – how can we ensure equity?

In this webinar, we explained how the innovative HertsLynx DDRT service, commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council, funded by the DfT Rural Mobility Fund and launched in 2021, is successfully serving a higher percentage of the population and enabling many more people to walk to the bus from hamlets and villages. Our Business Development Manager James West was joined by Alice Missler, Demand Responsive/Community Transport Team Leader at Hertfordshire County Council. Matthew Clark, Associate Director, New Mobility at Steer, hosted the webinar.

Rewatch the Webinar on YouTube

Padam Mobility presents new On-Demand Transport for the districts Schweinfurt and Kitzingen

In early May, a new On-Demand service named “callheinz” started in Germany. Callheinz is intended to complement the public transport offering in the region, meaning it cannot be booked when fixed-line services are offered simultaneously. The service has since expanded to another area, with the project’s testing phase scheduled for five years.

June

Flexible and eco-friendly demand transport offering “AktiVVo” starts in the district of Augsburg

Also in the district of Augsburg, a new On-Demand service was launched. Initially serving the regions of Holzwinkel and Altenmünster, Roth- and Zusamtal, the goal is to better supply rural regions with transport options and connect people more easily with existing public transportation.  

5 million passenger trips completed in just four years 

In June, we hit a fantastic record – 5 million journeys completed since 2019. This milestone has shown us how far Padam Mobility has come in recent years and the impact that on-demand mobility has had on the everyday lives of many passengers.

Webinar: Transport Planning and DRT with Xuefei Wang and Jack Holland

Careful planning and consultation before the introduction of a new On-Demand service are essential. There is no one-size-fits-all template for On-Demand services, and important parameters must be clarified before configuring a tailored service. In this webinar, organised by Landor Links, our transport consultant Xuefei Wang discussed with Chris Hillcoat from KPMG and Jack Holland from Padam Mobility how the creation of a new service area should be approached. 

Interview: Why does Transport Consulting matter? – A Conversation with Mobility Engineer and Transport Consultant Xuefei Wang 

Webinar on YouTube

July   

Product Improvement: Make your fixed lines and your DRT coexist easily with the blocking of DRT bookings and the display of fixed lines of your territory!

This feature highlights the public transport available in a given area and suggests alternative itineraries to DRT. In addition to the feature that blocks DRT bookings when public transport lines are available, this new feature gives users all the information they need about these lines! Check out our video and our guide on non-competition for more information.

As a member of PAVE Europe, Padam Mobility is committed to innovation and education in Autonomous Traffic

Padam Mobility’s commitment to the development of autonomous On-Demand transportation is not new. In addition to active participation in the EU-funded AVENUE project and the existing ULTIMO project, Padam Mobility has been a member of PAVE Europe since July this year. PAVE Europe is a collaboration of various partners from the non-profit, business, and academic sectors, working to educate the public about the deployment of autonomous traffic and positively shape the future of this groundbreaking technology. We are excited to actively support this initiative.

Enhancing Accessibility in rural Cheshire West and Chester with DRT Service “itravel”

Since July this year, a new On-Demand service has been operating in Cheshire West and Chester. The new On-Demand service is an important step for the region, providing residents of remote areas better access to essential destinations and fixed main connections. The three-year pilot project is supported with £1.075 million from the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund.

August 

From Home to Terminal 5 – Padam Mobility, Thames Valley Buses and Heathrow introduce new app-based “Go2Gate” Bus 

Go2Gate is a minibus service exclusively for the Dedworth area that can be easily booked via an app to get to the airport. The buses pick passengers up near their homes, sometimes even right outside their front door, and drop them off outside Terminal 5, from where they can easily get to all parts of the airport on the free trains, the underground and the H30 bus. This service is a great asset in relieving traffic congestion around the airport and providing travellers and employees with a reliable and easy connection to the airport. 

September 

Padam Mobility launches “Buss on Demand’ for Swedish Public Transport Authority Västtrafik 

With the new On-Demand service, Västtrafik, one of Sweden’s largest public transportation authorities, brings innovative mobility to Ulricehamn, Västra Götaland. The service focuses on connecting less populated areas around the medium-sized city of Ulricehamn, improving residents’ mobility and facilitating access to the city center. The first pilot phase of the project spans eight months and aims to examine the impact of the On-Demand service on the population’s mobility behaviour.

Padam Mobility launches new Demand Responsive Transport App as part of the Solent Future Transport Zone Programme 

In collaboration with the community transport organizations FYT Bus on the Isle of Wight and Dial-a-Ride by Social Care in Action (SCiA) in Southampton, Solent Transport and its four local authority partners introduced a new mobile app for the Solent region to improve access to FYT and SCiA services.

Connect 2 MaaS Day in Zoetermeer 

For the second time this year, the Connect 2 MaaS Day took place at the Siemens Office in Zoetermeer, Netherlands. It’s a format that our customers and partners highly appreciate. Leading MaaS providers come together, present best practices, discuss challenges, and demonstrate how the integration towards a comprehensive MaaS offering can be successful. The positive response motivates us to bring this format to the UK and Germany next year.

ULTIMO Project introduces its first Automated On-Demand-Service in Geneva powered by Padam Mobility

The Swiss transportation authority “Transports Publics Genevois” (tpg) achieves a milestone with the ULTIMO project: in Geneva, they now offer an automated on-demand shuttle service through the regional on-demand app. The 38-hectare service area includes facilities such as a hospital and a kindergarten. Three autonomous, electrically operated vehicles are the focus of this innovative project to transport passengers to their desired destinations. Booking and handling of the trips are done through Padam Mobility’s AV technology.

October 

Harper rides The Robin to Lydney with minibus service set to expand in the Forest

External source: The Forester

FOREST MP Mark Harper championed county minibus The Robin in Lydney this morning (Friday, October 20) with the service set to expand into the north of the district thanks to new funding.

County councillors hosted a visit from the Secretary of State for Transport at Lydney Dial-A-Ride, in which he spoke to passengers who regularly use the council-run on demand service.

Webinar: Best practice in Digital DRT and community transport

Community Transport is one of the essential elements for a functioning local transport service in many communities in the UK. Padam Mobility is committed to improving this element and making it simpler and more efficient through digital products. In the webinar, independent transport consultant Beate Kubitz and Louise Currie, CEO of the Community Transport Charity, discussed successful examples like the “The Robin” Service in Gloucestershire. The webinar was moderated by Victoria Armstrong, CEO of the Community Transport Association (CTA).

November 

Grégoire Bonnat bids farewell as CEO of Padam Mobility; Siemens Mobility appoints Thibault Lécuyer-Weber as his successor

After the departure of Grégore Bonnat, co-founder and longtime CEO of Padam Mobility, Thibault Lécuyer-Weber is appointed as his successor. The whole team will miss Grégoire and is infinitely grateful for his tremendous dedication and efforts over the years. However, we are also excited to have found a new strong CEO in Thibault, who will facilitate the transition as seamlessly as possible. We look forward to starting a successful year together in 2024.

HertsLynx On-Demand-Service reaches 50,000 Passenger Trips Mark 

The HertsLynx Service, launched at the end of 2021, is a perfect example of the impact of On-Demand services on public transportation offerings in rural areas. Some villages served by the service consist of only 30-40 houses. Before the introduction of the On-Demand service, it was challenging to reach people living in these very rural areas with fixed lines; around 40,000 potential passengers lived up to a 15-minute walk from a bus stop. Customer surveys have shown that the service is gladly used by a large portion of the population, regardless of age. We are excited to continue this success story in the next year.

December 

A Year of Growth, Resilience, and Gratitude. As we close the chapter on 2023, we are filled with gratitude for the journey we’ve undertaken. This year has been a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Join us in looking forward to a promising future, built on the lessons learned and the successes achieved in the past twelve months.

Thank you for being a part of Padam Mobility’s 2023 story. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success in the coming year!

 

This article might interest you as well: HertsLynx DRT Service expands to new areas in Hertfordshire 

Lire la suite

‘HertsLynx’ Demand-Responsive Transport Service expands to new areas in Hertfordshire

  • HertsLynx On-Demand grew to include Ware, Hertford, and the district of Dacorum in December 2023
  • HertsLynx On-Demand in the Buntingford area reached the milestone of 50,000 passengers in November 2023
  • The service was commissioned by the Hertfordshire County Council in 2021 and is based on the DRT technology from Padam Mobility, with UNO Bus responsible for operations

The HertsLynx service, launched by Hertfordshire County Council in September 2021, provides residents of very rural areas in North and East Herts with flexible and easy access to nearby Key Hub Towns. The on-demand service offers a new quality of life, particularly in places where people were previously heavily dependent on their own car. Partly funded by the Rural Mobility Fund, the service aims to provide bus services where conventional bus routes would not be economically viable. This is an important commitment by the government confirming that mobility is an important factor in creating a liveable area for all.

The HertsLynx service operates flexibly, meaning it does not follow a fixed route but adapts to the ride requests of users. It can be reconfigured based on demand, with project teams from HCC and Padam Mobility closely aligning the service design with the real needs of users. A night service, which was initially introduced during the 2022 Christmas period to transport people safely to and from the Christmas market, was made permanent in April 2023. The so-called “HertsLynx Evening Service” now operates every Friday and Saturday from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

Users of all ages have embraced the app-based transport service from the outset. The service now handles around 3,000 journeys per month and reached the milestone of 50,000 passenger journeys in November 2023. The positive reception confirms that the service is a much needed tool enhancing local mobility.

These excellent developments have prompted Hertfordshire County Council to further expand the service. In recent months, the on-demand service has been extended to several service areas. Two additional vehicles now serve Hertford and Ware, bringing the fleet to a total of 7 vehicles. This new area is also served by the “HertsLynx Evening Service” on Fridays and Saturdays. To make the service more efficient, some trips, e.g. from Hertford to Ware and vice versa, are not permitted. Users can find out about the authorised distances online.

Recently, the Dacorum area has also been integrated into the HertsLynx platform. The service will cover Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Tring, and surrounding villages, aiming to increase access for residents to employment, education, healthcare, and leisure activities by offering transport links from rural areas.

The launch of the new HertsLynx service is part of Hertfordshire County Council’s Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which intends to increase passenger numbers through the introduction of several key initiatives, such as the establishment of on-demand rural services.

 

This article might interest you as well: HertsLynx On-Demand service reaches 50,000 passenger trips mark

Lire la suite

HertsLynx on-demand service reaches 50,000 passenger trips mark

There was excellent news for HertsLynx this month, as it reached the 50,000th passenger trips mark! This rural service, launched in late 2021, is leading the way in delivering public transport across rural areas. It serves the area around the Hertfordshire town of Buntingford. These areas, where some villages consist of only 30-40 houses, are difficult to serve with fixed line routes and around 40,000 people were more than a 15-minute walk from a bus stop.

When HertsLynx launched, people were quick to adopt the new service, both those people who live near the skeleton network of rural bus routes, but also in villages and hamlets which were not previously on bus routes. Customer surveys show it’s being used by a variety of people with about 25% of ticket sales to young people and 10% to older people. Key destinations include Freman College in Buntingford and stations in Royston and Stevenage. The service notably provides people in the area with a direct link to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, which was previously only possible on public transport via a very circuitous route. Trip patterns also vary, as its used for a variety of purposes, with one in six passengers using the service 5-20 times a month to make about a third of the trips, and the majority of the others use it less regularly.

Padam Mobility is really proud to be working with Hertfordshire County Council to power this vital service.  The service has proved very popular and is being extended to cover the area below Buntingford as far as Ware.

Lire la suite

SIEMENS MOBILITY SUBSIDIARY PADAM MOBILITY APPOINTS THIBAULT LÉCUYER-WEBER AS CEO TO CONTINUE ITS DEVELOPMENT

Padam Mobility, provider of on-demand mobility solutions, appoints Thibault Lécuyer-Weber as CEO with the aim of strengthening its position as a market leader in on-demand mobility.

Following the gradual and mutually agreed departure of Grégoire Bonnat, co-founder and CEO of Padam Mobility since its inception, Thibault Lécuyer-Weber, formerly COO, has been designated to ensure his succession. A natural choice, according to Grégoire Bonnat:

“Since 2018, Demand-Responsive Transport has evolved from a last-resort transport service for isolated rural areas to a cornerstone of public mobility offerings to complement the structural network. I entrust the reins of the company to Thibault with full confidence, knowing him as a strong leader who fully represents the values of Padam Mobility. He has an exceptional ability to handle immediate issues while maintaining a long-term vision.”

The appointment of Thibault Lécuyer-Weber is therefore intended to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to support the growth and international expansion of Padam Mobility. This includes the development of its various products (DRT, AV, PRM), and a strengthening of relations with other Siemens subsidiaries to leverage the synergies created to serve the company’s customers. Claire Duthu, on the other hand, is chosen to succeed Thibault Lécuyer-Weber as COO of Padam Mobility.

About Thibault Lécuyer-Weber

A graduate of ESCP-Europe, Thibault Lécuyer-Weber began his career in digital technology in 1999. He has worked at Renault, Microsoft, and initiated several entrepreneurial ventures before joining Padam Mobility in 2018. Now CEO, he aims to strengthen the company’s growth strategy and enhance its performance.

About Padam Mobility

Since 2014, Padam Mobility has been developing digital on-demand mobility solutions to transform suburban and rural areas and bring communities closer together. The company offers operators and communities a suite of intelligent and flexible solutions that improve mobility in areas where demand is sparse. In 2021, Padam Mobility joined Siemens Mobility as a subsidiary, complementing its portfolio of digital transport and mobility solutions. A European leader in Demand-Responsive Transport, Padam Mobility has become an essential player in the sector, recording more than 5 million trips since its creation.

Lire la suite

ULTIMO Project Introduces its First Automated On-Demand Service in Geneva powered by Padam Mobility

The transport authority “Transports Publics Genevois” (tpg) is taking a pioneering role in introducing autonomous on-demand vehicles to the existing public transport system in Geneva. The deployment site selected as part of the ULTIMO project now officially offers on-demand automated shuttle transport, which users can request via the already well-established regional DRT app. Located in the Belle-Idée housing development, a stone’s throw from the French border, the project covers a 38-hectare site with various facilities such as a hospital, a kindergarten, a conference centre and restaurants. At the heart of this innovative project are three autonomous, electrically powered vehicles that take passengers to their desired destinations on demand.

A revolutionary way of getting around

At the Belle-Idée site in Thônex, Canton Geneva, tpg’s automated on-demand transport service offers passengers the chance to experience revolutionary new mobility. Unlike traditional fixed transport lines, users can move freely throughout the Belle Idée site thanks to the autonomous vehicles and their fully flexible configuration. The service will be available from 28 September to 30 November 2023, every Thursday between 10:00 and 14:00. Booking a ride is easy via the tpgFlex mobile app, powered by Padam Mobility, which is available free of charge for iOS and Android. During this test phase, one tpg employee will be on board each of the three autonomous vehicles to ensure safety and compliance.

What distinguishes this AV-DRT operation from other pilot projects with autonomous vehicles is the simultaneity of the “standard” DRT operation involving drivers as well as AV vehicles operating without a “conventional” driver. For the first time in such a project, tpg’s DRT system combines these two operating models.

This public opening follows an initial test phase of autonomous vehicles in Belle-Idée, which took place from 2020 to 2022. It paves the way for the ULTIMO project, which was introduced in December 2022. ULTIMO, funded by the EU and Switzerland, boasts a total budget of €55 million over four years (2022-2026) and is planned for three pilot cities in Europe, including Geneva (Switzerland), Herford (Germany) and Oslo (Norway). The project partners plan to deploy several automated on-demand services in the coming years as a means to improve public transport, especially in sparsely populated areas or off-peak hours.

The Future of Transportation in Geneva

With the roll-out of this first version of the innovative automated on-demand transport service, tpg and their partners are driving transportation in Geneva into the future. This visionary approach combines cutting-edge technology with user-centric flexibility, enhancing accessibility, reducing emissions, and offering a glimpse of what the future holds for public transportation.

 

About Padam Mobility

Padam Mobility, a key partner in the ULTIMO project, specializes in optimizing shared mobility solutions. Their expertise lies in creating software solutions for on-demand and shared transportation, making them an ideal collaborator for advancing automated on-demand transport services. The in-house project team for automated on-demand services has developed a dedicated solution for the orchestration of AV fleets. This has made Padam Mobility a strong partner not only for DRT projects but also for the deployment of automated fleets. Their technical solutions cover all important steps necessary for the execution of AV projects, from the shift management of vehicles to the booking and registration of passengers on board.

About ULTIMO

The ULTIMO project is an initiative of the EU and Switzerland and comprises more than 20 project partners from the fields of technology, industry and academia. The partners’ common goal is to integrate large-scale, on-demand and passenger-oriented Automated Vehicle services into the traditional public transport network. To achieve this, diverse cross-sector teams are researching and accompanying the introduction of CCAM (cooperative, connected and automated mobility) systems in selected deployment sites in different locations across Europe.

 

This article could interest you as well: Padam Mobility joins PAVE to educate and innovate in Autonomous Transport

Lire la suite

Padam Mobility Launches New Demand Responsive Transport App as part of the Solent Future Transport Zone programme

Padam Mobility and SCiA Project Teams

In collaboration with Community Transport Organizations FYT Bus on the Isle of Wight and Southampton’s Social Care in Action (SCiA) Dial-a-Ride; Solent Transport and its four local authority partners, have introduced a new mobile app for the Solent region to improve access to FYT and SCiA’s services.

Specifically, FYT’s on-demand service will cater to residents and visitors on the western side of the Isle of Wight, while members of Dial-a-Ride in Southampton will be able to book SCiA’s Dial-a-Ride service through the new mobile app.

Powered by Padam Mobility, a globally renowned provider of dynamic demand-responsive technology, the new journey planning app aims to offer seamless and convenient access to public transportation on the Isle of Wight and across Southampton. To access these services, users can download the “FYT and SCIA Booking” app from the App Store or Google Play, select their local service and book their journey..

This innovation in community transport within the Solent region has been made possible through the support of the Solent Future Transport Zone (FTZ) programme, funded by the UK Department for Transport. Collaborating closely with FYT Bus and SciA Dial-a-Ride, the Solent FTZ will monitor and assess the advantages of on-demand transportation solutions. This valuable information will contribute to shaping transport policies at a national level.

Introducing the “FYT Bus On-Demand Service”

The on-demand FYT Bus, also known as the “Route E afternoon service” or West Wight FYT Bus, will be running only in the afternoons and aims to cater to the transportation needs of residents and tourists on the picturesque, west side of the Isle of Wight. This cutting-edge on-demand service is designed to offer convenience and flexibility, with the inclusion of virtual stops and several fixed points served during each ride. Passengers will experience a new level of convenience, allowing them to reach their destinations seamlessly.

Enhanced Accessibility with the “Southampton Dial-a-Ride Service”

In addition to FYT’s Route E afternoon service, Padam Mobility is delighted to provide Southampton Dial-a-Ride members with access to the “Southampton Dial-a-Ride Service” within the same app. This service, offered in collaboration with the SCiA Group is set to improve public transport accessibility in Southampton and the surrounding areas by offering real-time bookings across a website, call centre and mobile app.

Padam Mobility’s cutting-edge technology and expertise will be harnessed to enhance efficiency, streamline booking processes, and simplify management for users of the Southampton Dial a Ride Service. Passengers can look forward to an improved and more user-friendly experience, making travel within the city and beyond more accessible than ever before.

 

About Padam Mobility:

Founded in 2014, Padam Mobility provides digital on-demand public transport solutions to transform peri-urban and rural areas and provide better access to mobility services for all.

To achieve this, Padam Mobility provides a software suite with intelligent and flexible solutions that better adapt public transport services to real demand, especially in sparsely populated areas. The software suite is based on powerful algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Public transport operators, public authorities and private companies trust Padam Mobility when it comes to improving access to territories, enhancing mobility services and optimising operations. The company accompanies its clients on the road to operational excellence while promoting environmentally friendly mobility.

Padam Mobility was acquired by Siemens Mobility in May 2021. The company is headquartered in Paris.

About Solent Transport:

Solent Transport is changing the way the public travels in the Solent area; making it greener, healthier and economically stronger than it’s ever been before. Through the delivery of transport solutions, Solent Transport provides leadership, strategy and direction to support sustainable economic growth in the Solent area. Originally established in 2007, Solent Transport is an apolitical partnership between the councils of the Isle of Wight, Hampshire County, Portsmouth and Southampton. In collaboration with the local community, business, government and transport operators, Solent Transport undertakes research; develops transport policy and strategy; submits and supports funding bids; and lobbies for transport improvements that will benefit everyone.

About the Solent Future Transport Zone:

Solent Transport won £29m from the Department for Transport (DfT) to implement innovative future transport solutions around personal mobility and freight movements. The funding means the Solent area will benefit from several innovative transport solutions including: smartphone apps for planning and paying for sustainable journeys demand, e-bike share scheme, and new approaches to freight distribution, including drone freight trials for NHS deliveries across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Funding will be allocated to different projects across the region. The Solent Future Transport Zone programme proposes to address local challenges such as high levels of car usage and the environmental impacts of freight movement within Solent’s urban areas. It will do this by delivering a series of complementary projects within two key themes: Personal Mobility and Sustainable Urban Logistics.

 

This article might interest you as well: Enhancing Accessibility in Rural Cheshire West and Chester with DRT Service “itravel”

Lire la suite

Enhancing Accessibility in Rural Cheshire West and Chester with DRT Service “itravel”

iTravel

Padam Mobility provides the on-demand solution for Cheshire West and Chester Council

  • Cheshire West and Chester Council commissions Padam Mobility to introduce “itravel”, an on-demand service addressing the lack of public transport in rural regions.
  • The seventh DRT service by Padam Mobility in the UK aims to connect remote regions with fixed main lines and key locations, benefiting residents with limited mobility options.
  • Supported by £1.075 million from the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund, “itravel” is a three-year pilot project, contributing to the improvement of rural mobility with innovative solutions.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is taking a proactive step to tackle the transportation challenges faced by residents in rural areas. Traditional public transport providers often struggle to maintain service levels on fixed routes due to unpredictable demand, resulting in inadequate services for people who live in places away from main routes. In response to this dilemma, the Council has teamed up with Padam Mobility, renowned for its Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) expertise, to introduce “itravel”, an innovative on-demand service, operated by Stagecoach.

With “itravel,” residents in the borough’s remote areas will gain better access to key destinations and fixed main lines. The service aims to reduce residents’ reliance on personal vehicles and promote inclusivity by providing mobility options for the elderly, individuals with reduced mobility, and young people who cannot travel independently.

Unlike conventional public transportation, “itravel” operates on a free-floating model, accommodating user bookings to tailor its routes dynamically. Users can easily book trips within the designated zone up to 30 days in advance, while those seeking spontaneous travel are advised to book at least an hour before departure.

To ensure a seamless experience, Padam Mobility offers the “itravel” user app, allowing users to effortlessly search, book, and manage their journeys. The app also provides real-time tracking of the vehicle’s route. For individuals without smartphones or who prefer alternative booking methods, the service is easily accessible through the website or phone reservations.

The “itravel” project receives support from the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund, with an allocation of £1.075 million. This three-year pilot project is part of the broader initiative to enhance rural mobility, with a total funding volume of £19,411,523 shared among 17 successful applications.

The official launch of “itravel” is scheduled for 31st July, marking a significant step towards improving accessibility and transportation options for residents in rural Cheshire West and Chester. As a visionary solution, “itravel” demonstrates the commitment to fostering efficient, inclusive, and sustainable mobility solutions for all.

 

This article might interest you as well: Padam Mobility Joins PAVE Europe to Educate and Innovate in Autonomous Transport 

Lire la suite

Padam Mobility Joins PAVE Europe to Educate and Innovate in Autonomous Transport

  • PAVE Europe aims to enlighten the public about the advantages offered by driverless on-demand transportation, among other aspects, and foster widespread awareness and acceptance of this transformative technology.
  • As a member of the EU-funded project ULTIMO, Padam Mobility will seamlessly integrate its cutting-edge and autonomous-friendly on-demand technology into multiple autonomous vehicles, propelling the evolution of modern transport.

Padam Mobility, the provider of on-demand transportation software, was officially introduced as one of the first members of the non-profit organization PAVE Europe (Partner for Autonomous Vehicles Education) at the first General Assembly in late June. The in-person meeting, bringing together all members of PAVE Europe, was a momentous occasion where concrete project initiatives and the next steps were extensively discussed. This gathering held great significance in shaping the direction and progress of our collaborative efforts.

PAVE Europe aims to enlighten the public about the advantages offered by driverless on-demand transportation, taking into account all the factors that influence autonomous vehicles (AV) across social, legal, political, environmental, and technological domains. By addressing these various aspects, PAVE Europe members collectively strive to generate factual information about the operation of AV on demand, among other topics.

Padam Mobility has already gained valuable experience through its AV project “OL Vallée” in partnership with Keolis in Lyon. This project, supported by the predecessor of ULTIMO, Avenue, aimed to determine the optimal integration of autonomous vehicles into real-world traffic and identify the challenges that need to be overcome.

In the upcoming months, Padam Mobility, in collaboration with tpg in Geneva, will embark on another exciting AV service. This innovative venture involves the deployment of three automated vehicles within a mixed-traffic area of 0.38 km², covering more than 70 stops to flexibly connect various facilities within the Belle-Idée Estate, such as a hospital, a kindergarten and restaurants, as well as the traditional public transportation network. The project represents a significant step forward in providing efficient and convenient autonomous transportation solutions within the estate, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for all.

By joining forces with PAVE Europe, Padam Mobility strengthens its commitment to enlighten the public about the benefits of automated, driverless vehicles on demand within the context of public road transport. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, Padam Mobility and PAVE Europe seek to create a future where AV seamlessly integrate into existing transportation networks, providing enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability.

You can find more information about PAVE Europe online or send us a direct message. Also, make sure to sign up for the newsletter (further down on the website) to receive regular updates.

 

This article might also interest you: Autonomous Vehicles in Public Road Transport – A Cutting-Edge Technology 

Lire la suite

Padam Mobility hits 5 million trips in just 4 years!

The Padam Mobility DRT platform has clocked up over 5 million trips since 2019. In this time the French Market leader for DRT has become a major global player in the industry. It has continually developed its mobility platform and offer since the first public pilot in the UK.
 
Debut outside of France
Padam Mobility launched one of its first transport-on-demand services with RATP Dev in Bristol, UK in 2016. Projects in the greater Paris area and in Orléans followed shortly after. The DRT services implemented there have grown to become some of the largest in the world. Padam Mobility has been part of the Siemens Group since 2021 and complements its portfolio of digital transport solutions. Today, more than a hundred French and international regions use Padam Mobility’s DRT solutions.

Padam Mobility’s success story in figures

  • More than 180,000 users transported
  • Solutions deployed in more than 140 territories around the world
  • An average satisfaction rating of 4.8/5
  • More than 80 employees in Paris and Lyon
  • More than 5 million journeys in 4 years.

Both the number of passengers per month and the occupancy rate of the vehicles deployed are increasing exponentially, suggesting that the 10 million trip mark will be reached sooner than expected. In the meantime, the services together record more than 300,000 journeys per month – a very positive sign that more and more users are convinced of on-demand mobility and are willing to leave their private cars behind.

On-demand mobility needs more awareness

Despite these positive developments, it remains important to constantly emphasise the advantages of DRT. In many regions, authorities still rely on fixed-route services, even though they are often unprofitable and do not meet the needs of the inhabitants. With a vehicle grouping rate of up to 80%, on-demand transport in sparsely populated areas is on average three times cheaper than setting up fixed routes. One in five users even states that they can do without using a private car at all thanks to this alternative mobility solution. On-demand services also contribute to a more inclusive transport offer and are an environmentally friendly way of getting around.

DRT by Padam Mobility, a tool for sustainable mobility in rural areas

There are many reasons that explain the success of Padam Mobility’s regional on-demand services, such as the coverage of areas with low population density, a flexible and cost-effective investment, a positive impact on the environment and social inclusion. The market leader has set up numerous services throughout France that respond to the specificities of each territory: Flex’Hop in Strasbourg, Txik Txak in the Basque Country, RESA’TAO in Orléans, PLUS DE PEP’S in Marne-la-Vallée, Ilévia Réservation in Lille, Résago in Amiens, TPG Flex in Geneva or TLC in Lyon.

[On-demand transport] offers a flexible, fast and environmentally friendly transport solution that provides a service that meets the mobility needs of residents and workers in the least densely populated areas, enabling in particular periphery-to-periphery connections that are currently difficult with the classic bus route network.”

Robert Hermann, former President of the Euro-Metropolis of Strasbourg

Major projects in France and abroad

Together with Setec and Webhelp, Padam Mobility was commissioned to develop and launch the TAD Île-de-France-Mobilités brand. With almost 40 territories served, 123 vehicles in operation and one million trips in 2022, TAD IDFM is a pioneer in Europe and the largest Transport-On-Demand network in the world. A major achievement for an area covering 12,000 km².

Padam Mobility is also a key player in the on-demand sector at the international level. Some of the biggest projects are the regional service VGI-Flexi for the transport association Großraum Ingolstadt, Holibri in Höxter (Germany), QuiBus in Rovigo and Colbus in Bologna (Italy), Avanza TAD in Malaga (Spain) or Call Connect in Lincolnshire and HertsLynx for Hertfordshire County Council (UK). All these successful examples show the growing need and user demand for public transport alternatives.

 

About Padam Mobility, a Siemens Mobility subsidiary

Since 2014, Padam Mobility has been developing digital solutions for dynamic on-demand transport to transform peri-urban and rural areas and provide attractive transport options for all. To achieve this, the company offers transport operators and communities a software suite with intelligent and flexible solutions that improve the mobility offer, especially where demand is low. This Suite is based on powerful algorithms and artificial intelligence. Padam Mobility has been part of the Siemens Group since 2021 and complements its portfolio of digital solutions for public transport.

Lire la suite

WeCommute, powered by Padam Mobility, to offer smart commuting solutions

Getting your workforce into the workplace can be a challenge. Employees are struggling with escalating fuel costs and cuts to bus routes.

WeCommute is an innovative solution to help companies provide accessible, affordable and convenient transport. The specialist for smart commuting provides a flexible fleet of mini-buses and buses powered by Padam Mobility’s intelligent demand-responsive transport algorithms to ensure the solution is the right size and completely cost-effective for employers.

Hiring and retaining excellent staff is currently challenging and employers without easy access to frequent public transport are at a particular disadvantage. WeCommute with Padam Mobility will create a flexible and appropriate service designed for specific working patterns and to connect employees with their workplaces at optimal cost. The solution is particularly useful for employers in out-of-town business parks, science parks and industrial areas. It can be adapted to groups of employers to help reduce costs and optimise services.

Padam Mobility already has solid experience in providing flexible on-demand services to business parks and companies. In France (Pau and Lyon) and Spain (Madrid), the company supplies its DRT solutions to companies that want to offer their employees flexible and easily accessible mobility options, while reducing their environmental footprint. 

WeCommute can help cut carbon emissions and improve company sustainability scores through reducing the number of cars used for commutes and through electrification. Padam Mobility has extensive experience of optimising routes to minimise journey times and miles travelled, as well as using electric vehicles within the fleet. 

To find out more about the service or book a review of workforce transport get in touch (details below) or download Padam Mobllity’s case study on How to simplify commuting for employees with DRT.

 

About Padam Mobility

Since 2014, Padam Mobility has offered digital on-demand Public transport solutions (DRT and Paratransit) to transform peri-urban and rural territories and bring communities closer together. To do this, the company offers a software suite of smart and flexible solutions that improve the impact of mobility policies in sparsely populated areas for all types of users. 

Public Transport Authorities, operators and private companies trust Padam Mobility to help them create new services, optimise the mobility offer and facilitate operations, to accompany them towards operational excellence, and create environmentally- friendly mobility.

In May 2021, Siemens Mobility acquired Padam Mobility to strengthen its portfolio of intermodal software solutions.

Contact: Jack Holland, Head of Northern Europe, Padam Mobility

 

About WeCommute

WeCommute is a smart commuter platform with end-to-end capabilities in designing, launching and optimising commuter programs for businesses and universities.

Contact: Dan Mould, CEO, WeDRT 

Lire la suite
1 2 3 6
Page 1 of 6