The joint venture between Via, the world’s experts in on-demand shared transit, and Milton Keynes-based Mercedes-Benz Vans will now include Caldecotte and Magna Park.
The decision will see the service zone in the city increase by 30%. It follows the high demand for the service in its first six months since launch.
ViaVan chief executive Chris Snyder said: “Our goal is to eliminate the need for private car ownership by providing affordable and convenient on-demand shared transportation that can seamlessly integrate with existing public transit.
“We are delighted to be expanding in Milton Keynes, providing greater access for residents to key transit points, businesses, and recreational locations in the area.”
More than 25,000 rides have been completed since launch and hundreds of riders took part in the survey to vote on where to expand next. ViaVan plans to expand to more of Milton Keynes later this year.
Passengers can book a shared Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer through the ViaVan app, which routes shared rides across Milton Keynes, matching passengers headed in the same direction in real time along the most efficient route.
Via’s technology also powers services in Liverpool and Sittingbourne in partnership with Arriva, and in Oxford in partnership with Go-Ahead. Since launching in London last year, ViaVan has already provided more than six million rides, and announced a collaboration with Transport for London for a demand-responsive bus project in the borough of Sutton.
