While the new tool is currently focused on ways to implement shared rides, it’s easy to imagine expanding the services to include things like micromobility zone planning. Via says its on-demand planning tool is the first product that truly helps cities visualize how on-demand services, such as those offered by companies like Via, RideCo, Treepz or Swvl, can become part of the public transit system. The new software is already being beta tested in nearly a dozen cities, where planners are able to evaluate a city’s metro or bus network based on ridership, demographics and service quality while simultaneously determining potential zones for ride-sharing services. Adding this tool to the mix allows cities to model which routes can be replaced with flexible ride-sharing services and which ones would benefit from increased bus or light rail service. Until now, Via would offer Remix’s services analyzing data to help cities plan out things like public transportation services or where to build a new bike lane. This is the first time since Via acquired startup Remix in March that the company is offering a product that combines Remix’s collaborative mapping and transit-planning tools with its own on-demand transit data.

Via is launching a new product designed to help cities plan how on-demand rides and fixed route transit, like buses and subways, can work together.

Try me remix