ViaVan and EMT launch on-demand bus service in Spain

14/07/2020

ViaVan, the public mobility solution company, has launched an on-demand bus service in partnership with Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid (EMT Madrid).

The new service has also been developed in collaboration with Madrid Mayor Martinez-Almeida, the Madrid City Council and mobility app specialist Ferrovial Wondo.

Smart Bus Madrid will service trips to-and-from Infanta Leonor Hospital and 12 de Octubre Hospital, with free rides to these locations for residents and workers.

The service will use ViaVan’s technology for rider booking, dynamic vehicle routing, and safety features including capacity management, seat booking, and data to support contact tracing through a rider registry.

The service will complement existing fixed line transit services provided by EMT, and will create a free transport option for residents and workers without the need for a private vehicle.

The Smart Bus zone will cover 73 stops on EMT bus lines that run next to the M-30 and A-3, between the Puente de Vallecas, Arganzuela (Méndez Álvaro station area), and Mortalaz districts.

Passengers can select a desired pick-up and drop-off location, be directed to the nearest EMT bus stop in the service zone, and will be matched with a seat in a high-capacity bus.

Notifications and trip ETAs will be available in real time through the Smart Bus Madrid app.

Smart Bus riders will be provided with an in-app wellness check every time they book a trip, ensuring riders are not exhibiting symptoms, wearing a mask, and are reminded to sit in the back of the vehicle to maximize distance between the rider, driver, and boarding passengers. Contactless payment will be available through the Smart Bus mobile app.

The service will run until the end of August at no cost to riders, operating seven days a week from 7am to midnight, with the last scheduled departure at 11:00pm.

Smart Bus Madrid marks ViaVan’s entry into Spain and represents an opportunity for the company to expand its services in the country.

ViaVan works with partners across Europe, including BVG in Berlin, Stagecoach, GoCoach and Sutton Council in the UK, and Transport for Wales to use on-demand technology to optimize the movement of residents and goods.

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