The Munich Transport Company (MVG) is introducing an on-demand ride-sharing service to “close the gaps” with existing public transport options.

The flexible MVG IsarTiger ride-pooling servic begins its pilot mid-June.

The MGV IsarTiger uses technology from door2door to provide a flexible service that can be booked via a smartphone app and bolsters the existing subways, trams, busses, MVG Rad and CarSharing schemes.

The technology uses advanced algorithms and data to calculate the fastest and most efficient ride-pooling routes, rather than sticking to scheduled routes or fixed timetables.

The project will begin a pilot in mid-June using around 20 Volkswagen caddies with space for six passengers each. This closed launch will be free for IsarCard subscribers who are pre-existing customers of MVG and will be followed in the autumn by a public launch and ongoing expansion.

“On-demand solutions give commuters the power to drive their personalised mobility options for the first time by allowing them to order tailored rides instead of having to follow a fixed timetable,” said Ingo Wortmann, chairman of the MVG Management Board. “The IsarTiger initiative will complement current city routes and assist in getting commuters from point A to B.”

The project builds on door2door’s existing experience of providing mobility solutions for key urban areas, including an on-demand public transportation pilot with the ADAC in Berlin, a collaboration with Brisa subsidiary Via Verde to create a holistic transportation platform in Lisbon, and a partnership with the DVG in Duisburg to launch the on-demand public transport system, myBus.