On-demand
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Flexible for customers, efficient for purchasers
PostBus will continue to offer traditional public transport, which operates on a fixed timetable, in order to transport a large number of passengers simultaneously. The company has huge experience in planning and operations in this area. At the same time, PostBus is working on new public transport options to address rising individualization, digitization and demand for flexibility. PostBus is continuing to develop the public transport system and is a pioneer in increasing customer satisfaction and optimizing cost efficiency and utilization thanks to flexible services. Examples include the digitization of PubliCar Appenzell and the Kollibri Brig pilot project – a fixed time extension of the local bus service via on-demand. On the one hand, on-demand services meet the needs of customers who want to order their means of transport digitally and use it flexibly. We also offer cantons as purchasers of public transport services a solution that enables them to use the resources available most efficiently.
Kollibri Brugg
Kollibri Brugg
(in german)
What’s it all about?
First nationwide pilot project of a door-to-door shuttle.
Can only be booked and paid online.
All processes were online (booking, pooling, driver order to driver, customer service).
Period
18.10.2018-17.10.2019
Partners
AMAG, SBB, Post
Goals of the project
Test of customer acceptance?
Test whether digital solution and operative performance work.
Test the willingness to pay
Status
Completed
Insights
Very high response to service (approx. 8x more downloads than expected).
High level of customer satisfaction.
Digitization of processes worked.
Pooling in zonal traffic was challenging.
Outlook
Further projects being planned.
Contact
Mirco Mäder
Produktentwickler on-demand
mirco.maeder@postbus.ch
Eglisau simulation
Eglisau simulation
What’s it all about?
Demonstration operations on 3x3 days.
Period
September/October 2019
Goals of the project
“Look & feel” test for the municipality.
Contributes to decision as to whether such a service would be conceivable for the municipality.
Status
Completed
Insights
Municipality was satisfied.
An analysis of the traffic situation resulted in on-demand as a solution.
Outlook
ZVV has deferred the project by two years.
Contact
Matthias Balmer
On-Demand Specialist
matthias.balmer@postbus.ch
Appenzell
Appenzell
What’s it all about?
The PubliCar services in Appenzell (AI) have gone digital. The no-timetable Postbus service is provided door-to-door. The vehicles are automatically dispatched in a regional transport concept.
Period
Since July 2020
Partners
None
Goals of the project
Acquiring new target groups (e.g. younger people).
Reducing call center costs.
Better customer experience.
Efficiency improvements in operations
Status
Active
Insights
Digital data acquisition has enabled operational improvements that have boosted efficiency, which has in turn reduced the numbers of calls to the call centre. The amount of bundling was also increased, providing a better response to customer demand.
Outlook
We are trying to increase the number of bookings made through the mobile app and to tap into other customer groups.
Following the timetable change from 22/23, the area served is being expanded by a corridor that goes to the hospital in Gais (AR).
Smaller vehicle units (LEVC) are being tested.
Contact
Florian Kern
Market launch project manager: East
florian.kern@postbus.ch
Waadt
Waadt
What’s it all about?
Modernization of background system (call center, driver order to driver on tablet).
Launch of a customer app.
Changes to service areas.
Period
From September 2020
Goals of the project
Replacing the existing software that has reached end of life.
Acquiring new customer groups
Status
Active
Insights
Software works well
Updates and modifications in order to respond more effectively to customer needs.
Outlook
Launch of customer app on 11.09.2020
Change in operating principle (stop to stop) in December 2021.
Contact
François Longchamp
Project Manager Market Introduction West
francois.longchamp@postbus.ch
Kollibri Brig
Kollibri Brig
What’s it all about?
Evening extension of timetable of Brig-Glis local bus.
Period
August 2020 – July 2021
Partners
Municipality of Brig-Glis, Canton of Valais
Goals of the project
Rather than extending the timetable for local public transport, it is being examined whether an on-demand service can be used to meet demand more cheaply from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Status
completed
Insights
Positive customer feedback.
Public acceptance.
Municipality was satisfied.
The app worked perfectly.
Its full potential could not be realized due to COVID-19.
Outlook
–
Contact
François Longchamp
Market launch project manager: West
francois.longchamp@postbus.ch
Verzasca
Verzasca
What’s it all about?
Valle Verzasca is facing a huge influx of tourists that is putting strain on both the roads and public transport system in the region.
This is why an on-demand service has been planned for residents which was tested during a demo phase in summer 2020. The demo phase was carried out with a London taxi that, despite piquing local interest, was ultimately not deemed a suitable form of public transport for getting disabled people around.
We are currently working on preparing the pilot phase.
Period
Demo phase: 02.07.2020–11.07.2020, Thurs – Sun (6 days) + 18.07.2020–19.07.2020
Pilot phase: two years (October 2021 – September 2023)
Partners
Comune Verzasca
Fondazione Verzasca
Associazione Comuni della Valle Verzasca
Conim AG, Zurich
SBB – Swiss Federal Railways
Goals of the project
Improving connections and accessibility in remote areas is a challenge both in Ticino and peripheral regions throughout Switzerland.
- Improving connections and the accessibility of peripheral/mountain regions.
- Integrating on-demand services within the public transport chain as an alternative to private car use.
Status
The demo phase came to an end on 19.7.2020.
The pilot phase began on 5 October 2021 and is set to last 2 years.
Insights
–
Outlook
In view of the results obtained during the demo phase, it was decided to continue the project. In September 2021, the pilot phase began, which involved monitoring the progress of the project and making any amendments necessary for the future market launch. The pilot phase saw the testing of Mercedes 9-seater electrical vehicles with disabled access.
Contact
Tiziano Pellegrini
Market launch project manager: South
tiziano.pellegrini@postbus.ch
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