ViaVan and STOAG – the public transport authority in Oberhausen, Germany – have announced the launch of a new fully electric, on-demand shared ride service.

Once a ride is booked, ViaVan matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction into a single vehicle

Powered by ViaVan, the REVIERFLITZER service is designed to complement and extend the existing public transit network, while reducing private vehicle use.

Using the REVIERFLITZER mobile app, passengers can select a pickup and dropoff location within the service zone and confirm their ride. Once a ride is booked, ViaVan matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction into a single vehicle.

As social distancing measures are still in place at the launch of the service, a maximum of three out of six seats will be available to book, and drivers will be separated from passengers with a window pane. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

Werner Overkamp, STOAG managing director, said: “With the REVIERFLITZER, STOAG wants to offer a real alternative to owning a car. We aim to make public transport more attractive to passengers, while complementing our existing infrastructure, and remain committed to our core competence of transporting several passengers together from one destination to another.”

Chris Snyder, ViaVan CEO, said: “Flexible, on-demand mobility in Oberhausen creates a compelling, environmentally conscious alternative to the private car, especially in evening hours when public transport is less available.”

The REVIERFLITZER will launch in the north of Oberhausen covering areas north of the A 42, including the Neue Mitte and Lipperfield. The service will operate in the evening hours from 9am to 2pm Sunday-Thursday, 9pm to 6am Friday, and 9pm to 9am on Saturday.