Padam Mobility News - Demand-Responsive Transport News

Padam Mobility and Hacon launch mobility app in the southwest of France

on 25 July 2022 Padam Mobility News by Padam Mobility

Padam Mobility and Hacon have developed a mobility app for the town of Albi and the surrounding area in southwest France, which maps the entire mobility offer in the region.

The “libéA mobilités” application provides access to mobility services in the Albi region. It maps the entire mobility offer of the region and provides information on the regional timetables of public transport and On-Demand Transport.

A new regional brand that unites all mobility offers

Against the background of a growing mobility offer and changing usage, the Community of Albi has set up a new regional brand combining all its mobility services: libéA. This new brand shows the ambition to provide the territory’s inhabitants with sustainable and responsible mobility. In this way, the entire transport offer is not only harmonised, but intermodal travel is greatly simplified for users.

The new brand identity is reflected in the new libéA mobilités application, developed by Hacon and Padam Mobility and available since the end of June. Users of the app benefit from an enhanced experience when planning a ride. The best intermodal connections are presented on the basis of existing data transmitted in real-time by the various local public operators in the area. A ranking by relevance helps the user to make a choice. If there is no fixed line for part of the journey, the app indicates the available Transport-on-Demand services. Walking and cycling routes are also included. So passengers always have the best information for all their journeys from the first to the last kilometre.

Screenshot of app — The app, which is also available via a dedicated website, is a strong signal of the new mobility strategy of the Albi region. It allows users to easily find the best route, regardless of the mode of transport used.

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Padam Mobility pilots autonomous on-demand vehicles in Lyon

Launching DRT – An operator perspective

Padam Mobility pilots autonomous on-demand vehicles in Lyon

on 25 July 2022 Autonomous on-Demand Vehicles Innovation Padam Mobility News Uncategorized by Padam Mobility

PRESS RELEASE

As part of the EU-funded AVENUE project, which is trialling autonomous shuttle buses in four European cities, including Luxembourg, Geneva and Copenhagen, Padam Mobility has been brought on board as a trusted technology partner for the Lyon region. Since May 2022, passengers can book rides on the autonomous shuttle service under the name OL Vallée A la Demande.

In this initial phase, two autonomous shuttle buses operate between the Décines Grand Large tram stop and the Groupama stadium, covering an area of 0.5 km² (see map below). Previously, there was no public transport service in this area to connect visitors with the fixed transport network, so the autonomous shuttle buses are intended to ensure that passenger flows can be transported from A to B smoothly. In addition, it is possible to use the autonomous shuttles in a free-floating model, i.e. without a fixed route plan, on the stadium’s campus.

Keolis has been testing autonomous shuttles in Lyon since 2016 and is now aiming in partnership with Padam Mobility to take the user experience to the next level. As specialists in on-demand technology, Padam Mobility will enable users to conveniently order the shuttles via app and track their status in real-time.

In the first test phase, the service runs every day from 11:50 am to 7:45 pm. After a short summer break, the service will resume in September.

AV Lyon — Service area of the new “OL Vallée A la Demande” AV-service

Find out more about Padam Mobility

Hacon and Padam Mobility launch their first joint on-demand project “SALÜ” in Switzerland

on 29 April 2022 Padam Mobility News Public Authorities Transit Operators by Padam Mobility

New on-demand service for BUS Ostschweiz AG
Technical implementation of the SALÜ app by Hacon and Padam Mobility
Already the fifth implemented project for on-demand transport in the DACH region for the Siemens Mobility subsidiary with a total of over two million rides booked

SALÜ, an on-demand service offered by Swiss transport operator BUS Ostschweiz AG, was launched in March for the city of Wil. Users have access to a Web App, and IOS and Android apps to obtain information and book the service. Padam Mobility and Hacon were responsible for the technical implementation. SALÜ is already the fifth on-demand transport project implemented by the two Siemens subsidiaries in the DACH region within just a few months.

On the one hand, the new offering provides residents in Wil, Wilen, Bronschhofen and Rossrüti with a flexible shuttle service in the evening from 8 p.m. to and from the train station that fits in with the train schedule. On the other, a selection of more than 100 virtual stops across the city, from or to which rides can be booked, is available. Users can find, book and pay directly for their chosen ride in the SALÜ app. As with the previously used Wil evening taxi, a public transport ticket is needed as the basis for calculating a surcharge for the service.

Andreas Deterling, Head of Supply and Development BUS Ostschweiz AG:

SALÜ significantly improves the appeal of public transport in the city of Wil. Our service combines convenience and sustainability – the app calculates which passengers can board when and where, and determines the fastest connections.”

Gerd Overbeck, Lead New Mobility at Hacon, sees on-demand transport as a useful supplement to local public transport:

On-demand transport best supports existing public transport services when the transfer from one means of transport to the other runs smoothly. That’s why we are relying with our partner Padam Mobility on convenient to use mobility apps which, in the best sense of the plan, book, pay & travel approach, make using on-demand transport as easy as possible.”

Padam Mobility and Hacon successful in the DACH market with other on-demand projects

In addition to the new on-demand service “SALÜ” in Switzerland, Padam Mobility and Hacon are further expanding their market position. In the past few months, the companies have launched on-demand services in three German regions: In Höxter, the on-demand service “Holibri” drives on four routes; in Hürth near Cologne, “Hüpper” serves the fringe districts that previously only had insufficient access to public transport; and the “Expressbus Pfaffenhofen” app allows users to travel around individually across the city. Throughout Germany, DB Regio AG is also relying on the expertise of Padam Mobility and Hacon with its on-demand service integrated into its own travel information system. Annually, that means a total of more than two million rides that are booked using the software from Padam Mobility.

More projects will be added in the coming months, for example, in the Ingolstadt region. The experience gained and the feedback from passengers clearly show that on-demand mobility can be a very important element in providing regional mobility. In particular in rural and fringe areas, the solutions from Padam Mobility and Hacon offer real added value, and provide residents with seamless transport without needing to have their own car. They also allow cities or municipalities to provide their public transport services more efficiently and in a more resource-saving manner.

About Padam Mobility and Hacon

Under the heading “Combined Power for Mobility,” Siemens Mobility, Hacon, eos.uptrade, Bytemark, Padam Mobility and Sqills offer a unique ecosystem of digital services and solutions. From travel planning, passenger communication, mobile ticketing, payment and reservation, and mobility as a service (MaaS) solutions to fleet management, schedule preparation and mobility data analytics – a comprehensive product portfolio for the complex issues in the mobility sector offers the ideal foundation for an outstanding passenger experience.

Learn more about Hacon

Click here to visit the Padam Mobility website

Padam Mobility Masterclass series – #1 A smart ticket to ride: Ask the experts!

on 2 February 2022 Interview Padam Mobility News Public Authorities Transit Operators by Padam Mobility

Ticketer and Padam Mobility, together with Landor Links, have kicked off the three-part masterclass series to share current thinking about the potential for Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) in Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) across the UK.

The three-part masterclass series was launched mid-January by Padam Mobility in partnership with Landor Links. The aim of each of the engaging one-hour discussions is to draw out expertise on the integration of DRT into a user-friendly, effective public transport service.

In the first Masterclass, Antonio Carmona, General Manager International and Head of UK Sales at Ticketer, and David Carnero, Head of International Business Development and Partnerships at Padam Mobility, together with chair Matt Smallwood, Head of Digital Strategy, Transport for the North, talked about why – and how – transport operators and public transport authorities should tackle the core problem of integrated ticketing. Below is a small excerpt of the questions and topics discussed during the webinar. The full video can be found on YouTube.

Integrated Ticketing is key, is one of the main areas that you need to work on to remove those barriers to access the system.” Antonio Carmona

From the start, Antonio Carmona stressed the importance of a seamless payment and ticketing system to encourage people to switch to public transport. Combine with other measures – such as proximity of services, on-demand rides and pricing – it is essential for creating public transport that is more attractive and more used than private cars.

But how can public transport authorities and operators be convinced that an on-demand service can enrich the public mobility offer in a given region?

It’s important to see DRT as a service improvement, according to David Carnero, rather than viewing it primarily as a profit-making business model. The overriding goal of on-demand transport is perfect integration into the existing infrastructure rather than competing with it – even if there are DRT services that are significantly more lucrative than maintaining fixed bus routes. DRT then has the potential to serve, for example, the first and last mile between the homes and larger transport hubs. People are thus offered a real alternative to their own car, without the DRT service competing with, but rather complementing, the existing public transport network.

It’s about not competing with structural – fixed-line – transport, it’s about ‘adding to’ or giving more flexibility to the structural transport. To do this it has to have simple fares and integrated ticketing.” David Carnero

Data sharing is an obstacle to an integrated ticketing system

It’s clear that seamless travel – without tedious questions like “Which ticket do I need for which mode of transport?” or “Where can I buy my next ticket?” – is desirable. But why is it that the public transport offer in the UK resembles more of a patchwork quilt, and trips from A to B in many cases require more than just a single ticket?

Antonio believes that there needs to be more confidence among operators to participate in a common system:

In every beginning of integration processes you will see challenges about sharing data but in the end, once you have proven to the different operators that there is a benefit to them in participating in the system and sharing some data that is relevant, then those frictions will probably disappear. It is not a technical problem, lots of data is available. [The challenges are] more related to the agreements that are in place.” Antonio Carmona

One ticket – many payment options?

Transport-on-demand services are currently exceptional in most regions of the UK. People may have become accustomed to a neighbourhood service that they order over the phone. However, the technical booking options via app or website tend to deter older users in particular. Similarly, when it comes to the question of payment options. There are people who refuse to pay via an app or prepay card and prefer to pay in cash directly in the vehicle. Are these users going to be excluded from the ‘new’ transport services sooner or later?

The simple answer is ‘no’. DRT services, as offered by Padam Mobility, are public services and do not exclude any user group. Providers need to ensure that people can use the service in the easiest way for them, for example, by ensuring that cash payment remains possible on board in addition to the booking option by telephone or online. Only then can it be guaranteed that the services remain inclusive.

How can the step towards more ‘on-demand’ succeed?

One aspect, in particular, becomes clear during the discussion: the answers are there, DRT as a real enrichment of a region’s mobility offer does not have to remain a pipe dream, but can be successfully established with a well-thought-out approach.

Nevertheless, at the moment, just before the launch of the Enhanced Partnerships within the Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP), many public transport authorities and operators are faced with the major challenge of taking the first step. A reasonable, feasible plan has to be worked out to have a chance of securing some of the public funds.

To have the best chance of success, careful data analysis and simulations before the actual service goes live is key to tailoring a DRT service for a specific area. There is not a standard service model for every region. In this context, David emphasises that Padam Mobility’s focus is on areas away from the big cities which need careful analysis.

Careful testing and data analysis will determine the best approach to serve a rural or suburban area. Where areas are unlikely to be profitable it’s important to provide a carefully designed service that supports the network and other fixed-line services.

The next webinar will look at the topic of DRT and Data with Landor Links on 10 February 2022 at 10:30 am (UTC). You will find the link to the registration form further down in this article.

A question of trust

Can people who have become accustomed to a timetable just “change” like that? Certainly, the question of how to bring users along on the path to more flexible, demand-responsive transport should not be underestimated. Humans are creatures of habit. If the service does not work as intended or as they are used to, there is a risk that people will turn away and reject it. Gaining the trust of end-users may require introducing services in parallel, and will rely on full transparency, for example by guaranteeing real-time tracking of the journey or by providing users with push notifications on their mobile phones in case of delays and other problems.

I think [the bottom line is] that the technology and the systems around that are a real key enabler for that integration piece, for that customer journey, and for I think [the issue of communication with users].” Matt Smallwood

It certainly takes time to make new mobility services attractive to a broad population. Reliable support and transparent communication with operators and end-users will add to the eventual success of DRT.

Watch the entire masterclass with Matt Smallwood, Antonio Carmona and David Carnero on YouTube.

We would also be very happy to welcome you on 10 February at 10:30 am (UTC). Then we’ll be covering in detail how the right data analysis contributes to a successful implementation of an on-demand service. Click here to register. You are also welcome to send us your questions in advance (use the dedicated text field in the registration form).

Find out more about Padam Mobility

This article might interest you as well: Ticketer and Padam Mobility announce partnership to further develop the Demand-Responsive Transport landscape in the UK

The Orléans metropolis expands its on-demand network Résa’Tao to four additional zones

on 5 January 2022 Padam Mobility News Public Authorities Transit Operators by Padam Mobility

Padam Mobility, Orléans Métropole and Keolis Métropole Orléans are expanding their on-demand service Résa’Tao. With four newly designed zones and a fleet of 39 vehicles, TAO Orléans Métropole is thus positioning itself as one of the most innovative and advanced networks in France in the field of on-demand transport.

Padam Mobility and Orléans Métropole have already been partners since 2018, enabling nearly 10,000 on-demand trips per month with the Résa’Tao service operated by Keolis Métropole Orléans. The French metropolis and the transport service provider rely on Padam Mobility’s algorithms to optimise the operation and cost of their on-demand service.

As passenger numbers and customer satisfaction have been consistently strong over the past three years of operation, Orléans Métropole decided to expand the service to four new, redesigned zones and to increase the fleet from about 20 to nearly 40 vehicles, some of which are powered by electricity.

Aiming for 250,000 on-demand trips in 2022

Launched in 2018, Orléans Métropole’s on-demand service, Resa’Tao, was gradually extended to other areas of the city, covering nine areas in 2021 with a fleet of more than 19 vehicles. Technical adjustments made by Padam Mobility, such as the optimisation of routes, the extension of service times, and the flexibilisation of last-minute reservations, enabled the service’s usage rate to gradually increase threefold between 2018 and 2021.

Due to these positive developments, both in terms of passenger numbers (more than 250,000 bookings since its launch) and user satisfaction (average rating of 4.7/5), Orléans Métropole has decided to extend the service on 3 January 2022 to four additional, newly designed zones, where around 40 vehicles will operate seven days a week. With this expansion, most residents of the sparsely populated urban areas of Orléans will be able to depart from a stop just a few metres from their home without having to pay a surcharge. Orléans Métropole thus hopes to increase ridership and reach 250,000 trips in 2022, compared to more than 100,000 in 2021.

A service that aims to connect 100% of users to the existing transport offer

Orléans Métropole’s on-demand service Résa’Tao now covers four new large-scale zones (previously there were nine smaller ones). The North, South, East and West zones were designed in such a way as to meet the mobility needs of the communities outside the city centre. To enable as many travel requests as possible, the availability of the service has been increased and connections to the main public transport lines in Orléans (trams and buses) have been simplified.

Furthermore, the service actively promotes reintegration into the labour market. Keolis Métropole Orléans contracts a labour market reintegration company to operate the on-demand driving service.

Users of the RésaTao service can book their ride for free by phone, online or via a dedicated app several weeks in advance or up to five minutes before their departure. A minibus picks them up at a predefined bus stop and takes them to their destination – seven days a week and from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

We feel that we are better investing taxpayers’ money, especially since the strategy of Orléans Métropole is not to gain economic advantages but to provide a better service. On-demand transport, as an innovative solution, it not only complements the traditional service, but goes one step further by connecting 100% of the metropolis’ inhabitants to the public network…” Romain Roy, Vice-President of Orléans Métropole, responsible for transport and traffic

Development of the Orléans metropolitan region’s DRT service Resa’Tao between 2018 and 2022

Padam Mobility’s algorithms supporting shared and optimised mobility

Padam Mobility offers transport-on-demand solutions based on algorithms to optimise routes and vehicle utilisation. The mobility offer is smarter, more flexible and more dynamic. It is no longer based on fixed routes and timetables, but on-demand and is constantly optimised based on (real-time) bookings. In the course of a trip, several users are grouped together in one vehicle, with the driver adapting his route in line with the bookings. The schedule chosen by the users is always guaranteed.

About Padam Mobility, a subsidiary of Siemens Mobility

Since 2014, Padam Mobility has been developing digital solutions for dynamic demand-responsive public transport (on-demand systems and paratransit) to transform peri-urban and rural areas and bring communities closer together. For this purpose, the company offers a software suite of smart and flexible solutions that improve the effectiveness of mobility interventions for all target groups in low-demand areas and bring users, operators and communities on the move! The software suite is based on powerful algorithms and artificial intelligence.

In 2021, Padam Mobility became part of the Siemens Group and supplements its portfolio of digital transport and mobility solutions.

This article might interest you as well: Interview with Roman Roy, Vice-President of Orléans Métropole

Restrospective: a look back at the 21 highlights of Padam Mobility in 2021

on 28 December 2021 Padam Mobility News by Padam Mobility

Studies, publications, new references, partnerships, extensions: the year 2021 was punctuated by many significant events for our company. A look back at a rich year.

JANUARY

1- PADAM MOBILITY TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE OF TRANSPORTING THE MOST VULNERABLE TO VACCINATION CENTRES

In January 2021, the vaccination campaign began in France and focused on the most vulnerable populations. The Paris region, in collaboration with the Paris area departments, decided to deploy all its resources to facilitate travel to and from vaccination centres for the most vulnerable. Among the transport resources mobilised: the Paratransit PAM networks and the dynamic Demand-Responsive service, TAD IDFM, equipped with Padam Mobility technology.

Find out more

2- PADAM MOBILITY STRENGTHENS ITS PRESENCE IN FRANCE

Montenbus The Mont Blanc urban area, which until now has only had regional fixed-line buses, set up a new Demand-Responsive Transport to compensate for the lack of existing mobility solutions in its area. Following a free floating configuration, The Montenbus service complements the pre-existing fixed lines.

In the Aisne, the various RTA DRT services, known under the Mobilitad brand, were optimised and modernised by Padam Mobility, which provided users with new booking channels (application and booking website). These new services will accelerate the RTA’s digital transition and revitalise the image of the Demand-Responsive Transport offer.

MARCH

3- STRASBOURG EXTENDS ITS FLEX’HOP DRT NETWORK TO ITS ENTIRE URBAN AREA

After an initial experimental phase in a limited area of 13 municipalities, the Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS), Strasbourg’s transport operator, decided to offer the inhabitants of the Eurometropole a Demand-Responsive Transport service that is unprecedented in France in terms of its territorial scope (over 200 km2) and its time span (from 5 a.m. to midnight).

4- PADAM MOBILITY MODERNISES A 20 YEAR OLD DRT NETWORK IN LINCOLNSHIRE, UK

The Call Connect DRT service offers a reliable and convenient mobility solution to the population of the rural county of Lincolnshire. The county has already been offering a DRT service as an alternative to very long bus lines with long detours through different villages for some 20 years.

In order to make the service more efficient for both users and the community, Lincolnshire County Council decided to call on Padam Mobility. By integrating its software solutions, fleet management is streamlined and users can book the service through three different channels (user application, booking website and by telephone via a call centre).

Find out more

MAY

5- A WHITE PAPER TO QUESTION THE ROLE OF MAAS IN SPARSELY POPULATED AREAS

Different from the city centre approach, mobility in peri-urban and semi-rural areas is a community affair, which digital tools must learn to take into account. It is in this sense that Padam Mobility wanted to publish a White Paper on MaaS or Mobility-as-a-Service; the idea being to propose a different approach to this recent concept and to raise awareness of the issues it could address in the most fragile territories.

Find out more

6- PADAM MOBILITY BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE SIEMENS MOBILITY FAMILY

Padam Mobility became a member of the Siemens Mobility family on Tuesday 11 May 2021, alongside its historic technology partners Hacon, Bytemark, and eos.uptrade.

The company begun a new chapter with the objective of reaching new heights, continuing the work of its teams, nurturing its commitment and continuing to achieve its results.

Find out more

7- PADAM MOBILITY CONTINUES TO ESTABLISH A REGIONAL PRESENCE IN FRANCE

In the Landes area, Padam Mobility assisted SPL Trans-Landes in modernising and standardising the booking systems of all its operational DRT services. 4 urban areas in the region now have a Demand-Responsive Transport service: Dax (Couralin), Biscarosse (Bisca Bus), Pays Tarusate (Escape te!) and Orthe and Arrigans (Transp’Orthe).

In Grand Figeac, the Demand-Responsive Transport has been given a facelift by modernising its service. Padam Mobility, in collaboration with Groupe Delbos, deployed its dynamic DRT solution to facilitate the mobility of the inhabitants of this rural area.

In the Pays de Langres, Padam Mobility and Prêt à Partir, the local transport operator, offer an innovative DRT service called Linggo. This new mobility service connects residents to business areas, medical facilities and the Langres and Culmont-Chalindrey train stations.

JUNE

8- UNA NUOVA RETE IN ITALIA ! PADAM MOBILITY LAUNCHES THE COLBUS DRT SERVICE IN BOLOGNA

Colbus is the first DRT service in the Appennino Bolognese region, a rural and mountainous area outside Bologna, Italy. It complements the existing regional transport offer on the first and last mile. Among other things, it makes it easier for users to get to the main tourist attractions in the region (e.g. hiking trails) from the nearest train stations.

Find out more

JULY

9- PADAM MOBILITY TECHNOLOGY IS EXPORTED TO CANADA

Continuing its international expansion, Padam Mobility took its first steps in Canada with a pilot project developed jointly with the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO) and Transit. The STO was the first public transport company in Quebec to offer an on-demand travel solution within the Transit trip planner. This was the first North American integration made by Padam Mobility.

10- PADAM MOBILITY AWARDED “50 MOBILITY SOLUTIONS FOR OUR REGIONS” IN FRANCE

Outside of dense urban areas, few solutions are offered other than the private car, while the transport offer could be optimised and rethought according to the specificities of each locality. It is precisely because Padam Mobility is dedicated to this mission that its solutions were labelled as one of the 50 solutions facilitating the mobility of citizens, wherever they are in the territory. These solutions will be presented to the presidents of the French Regions, Departments and Urban Areas, as well as to mayors and local officials.

SEPTEMBER

11- PADAM MOBILITY AND B.E. GREEN LAUNCH THEIR TURNKEY OFFERS FOR SMART AND LOW-CARBON MOBILITY

To meet the growing need for clean and demand-driven mobility solutions, Padam Mobility and B.E. Green launched two turnkey offers for local authorities and companies. The two companies share the common ambition of proposing a decarbonised, efficient transport offer in line with local mobility issues.

12- PADAM MOBILITY PARTICIPATES IN THE RNTP 2021: THE GREAT EVENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN FRANCE

Padam Mobility had a booth that stood out. Ziad Khoury, Director of Development, gave a well-attended presentation on the “10 keys to succeed in serving peri-urban and rural areas at controlled costs”. This 28th edition of the RNTP was also an opportunity for the company’s various departments’ teams to meet up for convivial moments.

13- PADAM MOBILITY LAUNCHES THE LIBEA DRT SERVICE IN ALBI, FRANCE

Padam Mobility continues its development in the South of France with a new service in Albi, called LibéA. This new service connects the urban area’s suburban communities to the city centre. A website and a mobile application allow users to book their rides easily.

OCTOBER

14- WITH HERTSLYNX, PADAM MOBILITY CONTINUES ITS EXPANSION IN THE UK

Herts On 19 September 2021, HertsLynx, a new Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) service developed by Padam Mobility and operated by Uno Bus, was launched in the rural areas of Hertfordshire County in the UK. It serves villages in the north and east of the county and fixed destinations in town centres. The service is expected to make it easier for passengers to travel in these low-density areas and address the critical mobility issues they face.

Find out more

15- TICKETER AND PADAM MOBILITY ANNOUNCE A PARTNERSHIP TO SHAKE UP THE DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT LANDSCAPE IN THE UK

Padam Mobility and Ticketer, an innovative transport data and ticketing company, announced a partnership that expands the opportunities for operators and local authorities to integrate DRT. The aim of this partnership is to make it easier to provide public transport services in areas with low population density, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of these areas.

Find out more

16- LAUNCH OF THE “HÜPPER” DRT SERVICE IN HÜRTH, GERMANY

End of October, a new DRT service, the “Hüpper”, was launched in Hürth, in the Rhine-Erft district in Germany. The service is intended to serve areas of this small town (just under 60,000 inhabitants) that were previously not well served by public transport. It aims to provide an optimal complement to the existing public transport system.

Find out more (in german)

NOVEMBER

17- PADAM MOBILITY SIGNS A FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT WITH KEOLIS, WORLD LEADER IN SHARED MOBILITY

Padam Mobility announced the signing of a framework agreement with Keolis, the world leader in shared mobility and a pioneer in multimodality, present in 16 countries. Partners since 2017 with the DRT service Résa’Tao in Orleans, the two companies together make more than 20,000 rides per month. The framework agreement will enable Padam Mobility to accelerate its innovation policy and strengthen its presence in Europe on the first and last mile mobility segments and in sparsely populated areas.

Find out more (in french)

18- PADAM MOBILITY AT THE SMART TRANSPORT CONFERENCE IN LONDON

Bringing together mobility experts, innovative transport companies and leading policy makers, including Trudy Harrison, Under Secretary of State for Transport, the conference addressed the most pressing mobility issues of our time: how to meet our climate targets, how to promote innovative transport concepts, or how to change the infrastructure to encourage the use of low emission transport.

The entire UK team of Padam Mobility was represented at the event in London. David Carnero, Head of International Business Development, spoke at the Technology and Innovation session on the key role of data in the development of Demand-Responsive Transport services.

DECEMBER

19- KARLSTADSBUSS NÄRA: THE FIRST PADAM MOBILITY DRT SERVICE IN SCANDINAVIA

After a simulation phase, a new pilot Demand-Responsive Transport service is launched in Karlstad in December 2021. It connects the suburban areas of Karstad to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network. The DRT service is based on Padam Mobility solutions and is operated by Keolis Sweden under the brand Karlstadsbuss.

Find out more

20- HOLIBRI: A NEW DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT SERVICE IN GERMANY

Padam Mobility continues its expansion in Germany with a new Demand-Responsive Transport service in Höxter, a town of about 30,000 inhabitants located in North Rhine-Westphalia. In collaboration with Hacon, Padam Mobility is deploying its solution to replace the town’s 4 fixed bus lines with an on-demand service called Holibri.

Find out more

21- A NEW DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT SERVICE IN SURREY, UK

“Surrey Connect” is the name of the new Demand-Responsive Transport network launched by Padam Mobility in the UK, from November 2021. The service, which has been experimented since May 2021, offers residents in the rural area of West Leatherhead a better public transport experience.

Find out more

2022 WILL BE FULL OF GOOD SURPRISES

The year 2022 will start with some major news:

Padam Mobility finalist of the 2021 UITP Mobility Awards: the project “Providing a complementary mobility solution for people living in peri-urban areas” led by Padam Mobility has been selected as a finalist in the “Public and Urban Transport Strategy” category by the members of the jury, composed of UITP and international public transport experts. The winners of the UITP Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on 6 February at the MENA Congress in Dubai.

Padam Mobility, Orleans Metropole and Keolis Metropole Orleans are once again extending their Demand-Responsive Transport service, Résa’Tao. With 4 new redesigned areas and a fleet of 39 vehicles, TAO Orleans Metropole is positioned as one of the most innovative and advanced Demand-Responsive Transport networks in France.

Find out more (in french)

Padam Mobility wins an additional DRT network in the UK in Gloucestershire! Scheduled to launch in March 2022 with a fleet of 3 and then 5 vehicles, this is Padam Mobility’s third DRT contract in the UK initiated under the UK Government’s Rural Mobility Fund.

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How to ensure the success of your Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) service through targeted data analysis?

on 9 December 2021 Innovation Padam Mobility News Public Authorities Transit Operators by Padam Mobility

– Padam Mobility insights on service data analysis at the Smart Transport Conference 2021

The basic premise of Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT): smart vehicle routes that group as many passengers as possible, matching trips to capacity is seen as a promising solution to establish emission-free transport. It’s both efficient and reduces the need for individual cars.

However, DRT services are by no means the same. The deployment of an on-demand service does not follow a template that can be applied equally to all regions and areas. The key to successfully establishing a DRT in a given area is based on the analysis and correct interpretation of data collected before the service is introduced and whilst it is operational. Good data will show how the service is being used, and whether there is room for improvement. For example, data can show whether the fleet size is optimal for the service and how it works with the existing transport network (for example, whether the on-demand service ensures connections with train services, or competes with high-frequency buses at peak times).

How does targeted data analysis help in establishing a DRT service? – Presentation by David Carnero at the Smart Transport Conference 2021 in London

The Smart Transport Conference took place in London at the end of November. Bringing together, mobility experts, innovative transport companies and top politicians, including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Trudy Harrison, the conference addressed the most pressing mobility issues of our time: how do we achieve the climate targets we have set ourselves, how can innovative transport concepts be promoted, or how should the infrastructure change in order to encourage the use of lower-emission means of transport?

The entire UK team of Padam Mobility was represented at the event in London. David Carnero, Head of International Business Development, spoke in the breakout session “Technology and Innovation” about the important role of data in the development of on-demand services.

Using specific examples, each showing anonymised real data scenarios from customers, David highlighted the importance of the skilled eye of Padam Mobility’s mobility experts in launching and sustaining DRT services.

Choosing the right fleet size

The choice of the fleet size is crucial to the success or failure of an on-demand service. If the fleet is too large, it is costly to maintain, vehicles are not optimally utilised, and additional staff are required. However, if there are not enough vehicles to meet the demand, other problems tend to arise that damage the overall project. Users trying to book a journey who are repeatedly unable to do so because all vehicles are already fully booked may turn away from the service. This problem is illustrated by David in his presentation (see Figure 1). The chart shows the daily average refusal rate (blue bars) and the total refusal rate (orange line) are very high at almost all times of the day. In this situation more vehicles are needed to meet demand, and this will be suggested to the operator.

Service optimisation – the “right” configuration can work wonders

A further example shared by David illustrated how skilled interpretation of data can have an impact on services. Before the realignment of the DRT offer shown in Figure 2, rather low user numbers were recorded. This could be for many reasons, however, it would be wrong to jump to the conclusion that people in the region are not open to on-demand mobility.

The service was adjusted, and from around August 2020, the data shows passenger numbers increasing rapidly. This suggests that the service change made about two months earlier succeeded and meets the users’ actual needs much better. In this case, several stops were added and the service area was enlarged.

Service optimisation – extensive possibilities of data analysis and evaluation

David used further examples to make clear how extensive the analyses are that Padam Mobility conducts for their customers, and that careful data evaluation can be decisive for success.

For example, he illustrated the possible reasons why trip searches might not lead to bookings. Figure 3 shows the point at which (around November 2020), the conversion rate of searches to bookings increases significantly compared to the previous period. User analysis indicated that people may have been unable to find suitable stops in their proximity or were not satisfied with the given service area. In this case, a service enhancement resulting from the analysis has helped to accommodate more user queries and thus increase the ratio of search queries to actual bookings.

Expansion of the service area, a larger fleet size or more stops are not the only possible adjustments. Service configurations which are matched to the individual circumstances and needs of each region are essential. Padam Mobility tests and measures the most appropriate models. For some areas, a free-floating model, which does not envisage a fixed routing, may make sense, for example, in order to save vehicle kilometres and offer passengers a flexible and individualised driving experience. In other regions, however, a feeder configuration may be more appropriate, for example, if a specific transport hub, such as a train station, is the main point of contact for most on-demand users. In very large areas, it may be beneficial to define zones in which a specific on-demand service operates. This helps the operators to keep a clear overview of the performance and the resources needed for each service.

What steps can public transport authorities and transport companies derive from the findings?

If cities, municipalities, companies, etc. have decided to tackle the project “on-demand mobility” and offer their citizens or employees a convenient, flexible transport service, the diverse implementation possibilities of DRT services can seem overwhelming at first.

Where to start? Which configuration is right for my area? – Fortunately, Padam Mobility’s team of experts can help.

We know what data is needed to make an initial assessment of the future service model of on-demand transport. We also offer simulations and pilots designed to closely monitor the service over a period of time and collect data that will make the service design as effective as possible. Of course, we also accompany our clients in the long term, closely assisting drivers and the management team to make decisions at short notice whether meeting acute need or implementing incentive schemes rapidly. For example, at the beginning of 2021, we set up a service for the on-demand service TAD IDFM in the Paris area, which took vulnerable people to the nearest vaccination centre. A recent example is the “Christmas shopping offer” provided by the HertsLynx DRT.

A reliable partner who has the capabilities to collect and analyse the data generated by an on-demand service in a professional and far-sighted manner is crucial for the successful implementation of a DRT service. The right choice can ensure that on-demand mobility not only becomes an important part of the modal split but is also financially viable.

This article might also interest you: With HertsLynx, Padam Mobility continues its expansion in the UK

Learn more about Padam Mobility

Padam Mobility launches new Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) service “Holibri” in Höxter, Germany

on 6 December 2021 Padam Mobility News Public Authorities Transit Operators by Padam Mobility

On this St. Nicholas Day, Padam Mobility launches its new on-demand service “Holibri” in Höxter, Germany. Padam Mobility and Hacon provide the software for the innovative on-demand project, which will completely replace four fixed bus routes in Höxter, a medium-sized city with about 30,000 inhabitants. “Holibri” is a service of fahr mit, the umbrella brand of five rail and ten bus companies in the “Hochstift” area (a region in the east of North Rhine-Westphalia) and is operated by the Paderborn/Höxter local transport association (nph).

Holibri – The name says it all

The “Holibri” service is named after the speedy hummingbird (in German: “Kolibri”). In this sense, the DRT service is designed to get its passengers to their desired destination quickly and quietly. The new vehicles are low-noise above all because they are powered 100 % by green electricity – an important step for the city of Höxter to establish itself as a pioneer in the transformation of local public transport in the Hochstift region.

A new concept to strengthen public transport

The new on-demand service will completely replace the existing fixed bus routes HX1, HX2, HX3 and HX5, only school bus services will continue to run as usual. With regard to the other regular bus lines, the city of Höxter had been observing a decline in passenger numbers for some time and complained that the buses often ran with only a few passengers on board. A problem that many municipalities and smaller towns are probably familiar with: The fixed bus schedules cannot meet the needs of all residents, and in addition, the routes are significantly longer than a direct car journey to the target destination due to the compulsory stops at all given stations. As a result, people prefer to rely on their own cars and public transport is used less and less.

Padam Mobility and Hacon support with their technical know-how

The nph is responding to this dilemma with the new on-demand service “Holibri”. The now starting pilot project, which will run for 3 years, aims to test how people in Höxter accept the new mobility service. In this context, Padam Mobility and Hacon are providing full support to the operational team. The carefully developed concept, which among other elements includes the definition of the service area, the operating hours or the service configuration, is constantly monitored and analysed by the experts. In this way, it is possible to determine how customers react to the service, which aspects are working well and which adjustments may need to be made.

A successful first appearance

At the end of October this year, Padam Mobility and Hacon were present at the unveiling of the new Holibri mobile and answered questions about the software. In addition to the technical details, such as how the software manages to bundle journeys in real-time to create an intelligent route planning, Sven Steinbeck, Business Developer at Hacon, was also able to clear up any remaining question marks about the booking process. Those who do not want to rely on an app or website for booking, also have the option of reserving their desired trip via telephone. Everyone else can download the Holibri app for iOS and Android. In the dedicated user profile, it is possible to access past or cancelled rides and, of course, manage upcoming trips. Shortly before and during each ride, customers can even track the exact location of their vehicle via a navigation tool. On-board wi-fi and comfortable leather seats make the experience perfect.

nph Managing Director Marcus Klugmann was also delighted with the new on-demand offer:

During this three-year project phase, we can gain valuable insights – for possible further developments as well as the expansion of the concept to other areas.”

At the end of the three-year test phase, it will be decided in which form the on-demand project will be continued.

Read more about the Holibri service here (content in German)

This article might also interest you: With Karlstadssbus Nära Padam Mobility kicks off its first DRT service in the Nordics

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Padam Mobility launches new DRT service in Surrey

on 29 November 2021 Padam Mobility News Public Authorities Transit Operators by Padam Mobility

“Surrey Connect” is a new on-demand service, launched by Padam Mobility in the UK. It offers residents in rural West Leatherhead a better public transport experience.

At the beginning of November 2021, “Surrey Connect”, the new Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service in West Leatherhead, was officially launched. The service has been in trial operation since May and has now been introduced to the local community by Surrey County Council. The new DRT service has received a contribution from the Department for Transport Rural Mobility Fund of £660,000. This reaffirms the UK’s commitment to its new mobility strategy and sends an important signal for future-oriented, sustainable transport.

“Surrey Connect”, equipped with a fleet of 2 minibuses, is operated by Mole Valley District Council and is available weekdays from 7 am to 6 pm. The on-demand service is aimed at travel for all: elderly people who can no longer be independently mobile, young people without alternative means of mobility or commuters travelling to the station to catch a train, for example.

Several booking options are available on the Padam Mobility platform and users can book a trip according to their preferences, either via the “Surrey Connect” app, booking website or call centre. Tickets can then be paid for in cash on the bus.

One particularly user-friendly aspect of the service is the flexible booking time. Users can book a trip up to 7 days in advance, and their place is guaranteed according to a first-come, first-served logic. Those who want to make a last-minute reservation can do so up to 30 minutes before departure. All they have to do is set up their starting point and destination, as well as their desired pick-up or arrival time. Padam Mobility’s intelligent algorithms, on which the on-demand service is based, then calculate an optimal route in real-time based on the total amount of bookings. In this way, the system is able to consider as many of the users’ requests as possible simultaneously, while economising on resources.

People with reduced mobility, who use a wheelchair, for example, can also specify their requirements in the app, on the website or while booking a trip over the phone. This ensures that everyone gets exactly the support he or she needs.

So far Surrey Connect is available in Leatherhead within the designated zones (see Figure 1), but will be rolled out to other areas of the region in the coming year.

service area — Figure 1: Service area of the “Surrey Connect”

*Following a free-floating model, it is possible to travel to any location within the two marked zones. Only bookings from one zone to the other are permitted. The markers show the main points of interest in the area, which includes, for example, the Springfield Business Park.

This service model provides rural areas in Leatherhead with much better connectivity where reliable access to public transport was previously unavailable.

I am delighted that we are now able to offer this convenient, doorstep service for residents in West Leatherhead. This will help people who may be isolated due to their out of town location or have had to traditionally be heavily car dependent.”

Matt Furniss, SCC Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure

Visit the website of Surrey County Council

WHY PADAM MOBILITY?

Empowering non-motorized populations in their travel (seniors, minors, etc.)
Reducing dependence on the private car and its negative impacts (pollution, maintenance costs, etc.)
Opening up certain low-density areas by providing a public service accessible every day Improving access to services and jobs, in particular improving access to health facilities
Digitalising the territory with the introduction of a solution based on optimisation algorithms thanks to artificial intelligence, but also on user-friendly interfaces

ABOUT PADAM MOBILITY

Established in 2014, Padam Mobility provides digital on-demand public transport solutions (DRT, Paratransit) to reconnect peri-urban and rural areas and bring communities closer together. To do this, Padam Mobility provides a software suite of smart and flexible solutions that improve the impact of mobility policies in sparsely populated areas for all types of users. To get users, operators and Local Authorities on the move. This software suite is based on powerful algorithms and artificial intelligence. It includes :

Booking interfaces (mobile app, website) for users and call centres
A navigation interface (mobile app and tablet) for drivers
A management interface for operators and Public Transport Authorities
A simulation tool for designing and setting up mobility services

Transport authorities, operators, private companies and consulting firms trust us to open up territories, to optimise the mobility offer and facilitate its operations, to accompany them towards operational excellence, and finally to enable environmentally-friendly mobility.

Key figures:

+470 000 users transported in 2020 (already 365 000 users transported at the beginning of 2021) more than 1M users transported since our creation
+70 territories deploy our solutions in Europe, Asia and North America
80% pooling rate in average
Up to 3.3 x less expensive than a similar offer if operated by fixed lines
33% of our users were previously using private cars, 19% were walking or unable to get around

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube |Twitter

This article might interest you: With HertsLynx Padam Mobility continues its expansion in the UK

The Hüpper is coming – Padam Mobility and Hacon to realise new DRT project in Hürth, Germany

on 9 November 2021 Padam Mobility News Public Authorities Transit Operators by Padam Mobility

At the end of October, Padam Mobility together with its partner Hacon launched a new Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) service, the “Hüpper”, in Hürth, Rhine-Erft district, Germany. The service is designed to serve in particular those areas of the small town, with a population of nearly 60,000, that were previously poorly served by the public transport network. Specifically, the districts of Knapsack, Stotzheim and Sielsdorf will now be connected with important transport hubs in the surrounding area, such as the Central Bus Station (ZOB) in Hürth Mitte (city centre). The operational management of the Hüpper is being realised by Stadtwerke Hürth and the Regional Transport Authority of Cologne.

On the launch day, the project participants proudly presented the three brand new “Hüpper-Mobiles”, hybrid vehicles in the style of the famous London Cabs, which are absolute eye-catchers. People with walking aids or in wheelchairs can easily enter the spacious vehicles via a pull-out ramp. Inside, there is room for up to six passengers. Particularly practical: USB ports allow users to charge their smartphones during the journey so that they are immediately ready for the next booking.

The quality of mobility is a location factor and constitutes the quality of life – in the city and rural areas. That is why the state promotes innovative interconnected mobility solutions such as the ‘Hüpper’. The new on-demand bus makes mobility better, safer and cleaner. Hüpper’ is a great project for a successful, dynamic and future-oriented public transport system in Hürth.”

Dr Dirk Günnewig, Head of the Department for Policy Issues of Mobility, Digitalisation and Networking

Padam Mobility and Hacon provide the software for this new on-demand project. Future users can particularly be excited about the flexibility of the service. It promises that they will only have to walk a maximum of 200 metres to the next stop. Fixed stops and timetables are no longer necessary; instead, the vehicle’s route is based entirely on user demand. In addition, the hours of service have been extended: Users can access the transport service around the clock, every day of the week!

Users can book their trip via the app, phone or website. It is even possible to book in real-time. Currently, the system foresees a maximum waiting time of 30 minutes before the user is picked up by a vehicle.

The Hüpper is an important component for mobility in our city. We have a broad range of city bus services, which will now be supplemented according to demand.”

Dirk Breuer, Mayor of the City of Hürth

The Hüpper is funded as part of the public transport expansion offensive of the NRW Ministry of Transport. Under the heading “Mobil.NRW”, the federal state of NRW supports promising transport projects that have the potential to boost the use of public transport.

Click here to visit the “Hüpper” website (in German)!

This article might also interest you: With HertsLynx, Padam Mobility continues its activities in the UK

Learn more about Padam Mobility