Transdev partners with rideshare start-up to explore new on-demand technology

The days of the traditional bus route could soon be numbered, with Melbourne suburbs touted as ideal locations for on-demand bus technology that allows users to order a bus to their door at the push of a button.

Hi-tech bus routes that drive to your door at the push of a button could be making their way to Melbourne after a new partnership with the city’s largest bus company.

Transdev will partner with ridesharing start-up Liftango to develop on-demand bus technology that would let drivers tailor their routes based on need.

The technology is already being trialled in Newcastle and parts of Sydney and has recorded soaring patronage in growth areas notorious for poor public transport.

Experts believe the system could be used next to improve connections in Melbourne’s congested outer suburbs where residents have little choice but to drive.

Infrastructure Victoria estimate about 40 per cent of the bus network is underperforming and has recommended that councils explore use of the scheme.

Experts believe the system could be used next to improve connections in Melbourne’s congested outer suburbs

Liftango chief executive Kevin Orr said he wanted to see the companies deliver a project for Victoria in the future.

“Melbourne will be suffering the same problems as everyone else,” he said.

“Some routes just aren’t suited to what is happening in terms development and there are definitely areas (in Victoria) that would benefit from this technology.”

The technology would allow locals to use mobile apps to order services to their door that connect with train stations and other major hubs.

Transdev Australasia chief executive Luke Agati said the two companies would work together to get more people on to public transport.

“The success of our business is built on strong local partnerships and we are proud to be partnering with one of Australia’s most exciting local mobility start-ups in Liftango,” he said.

Victoria is also in the sights of Via, another company running successful trials of on-demand buses in New South Wales.

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Passenger numbers in areas such as Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have surged by as much as 70 per cent since expanding their footprint in June.

Via’s chief revenue officer Dillon Twombly said the technology was perfect for areas where homes were spread out and missing key infrastructure.

“If you think about a city that has several fixed route systems … In some places you just don’t have the density to support a regular service,” he said.

“It makes sense to run an on-demand network that frees up resources and connects people to the first and last mile of their journey.”

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