ON-DEMAND BUS SERVICE LAUNCHED FOR NEW SYDNEY METRO

Fabian CotterJune 11, 2019, 7:16 pmJune 11, 2019

BUS OPERATOR Busways has launched an on-demand app as a new way to connect passengers with the recently opened Sydney Metro and conventional rail services, it’s reported recently.

Proclaimed as “…public transport that comes to you”, Busways is providing the new on-demand Hino Ponchos to residents in The Ponds and Schofields areas in the growing north-west of Sydney, NSW.

Cooee Busways launched late May, 2019, to coincide with the opening of Sydney Metro Northwest and operates Monday to Friday from 5.00am until 9.00pm, connecting customers with Schofields Station and the new Sydney Metro stations at Tallawong and Rouse Hill, the company states.

“Integrated public transport options will alleviate commuter’s frustrations with congestion on western Sydney roads when they’re just trying to get to work and back home each day,” managing director Byron Rowe said.

“The Ponds and Schofields are growing areas and the Cooee Busways on-demand service provides a crucial first- and last-mile link to the train and Metro.

“On-demand is the way of the future of public transport and we’re pleased to be able to offer it to residents in need of improved options now.

“Cooee Busways is a safe and reliable pick-up and drop-off on-demand service to and from the local transport hubs,” Rowe explained.

REDEFININING MOBILITY

Passengers will be able to book the service through the Busways Cooee smartphone app, powered by Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, according to Busways.

They can book a service for travel between a bus stop within the service area and one of three transport hubs: Tallawong and Rouse Hill Metro Stations, and Schofields Train Station.

“Via’s technology is redefining mobility across the globe and we are thrilled to partner with Busways and Transport for NSW to provide residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing transportation alternative,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via.

“Via’s powerful passenger-matching and vehicle-routing algorithm is the solution to solving the first- and last-mile challenge, seamlessly integrating into the existing public transit infrastructure to connect residents to transit hubs in their communities.”

HOW IT WORKS

Using the Cooee app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle, it claims.

The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick-up and drop-off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules, the company explains.

“The Cooee Busways service is just a glimpse into the changing-nature of public transport. By simply taking out your smart phone and using an app, you’ll be able to travel where you need to go when you want to,” Rowe said.