Trial of on-demand public buses begins in SA

The South Australian Government is funding the trial of an app-based, on-demand public transport service. The trial of the Keoride service began recently and will see a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses at residents' disposal in the Mount Barker and Barossa areas of the state.

Passengers simply use their smartphone and associated app to book a bus from a nearby pickup location, before being dropped at their destination.

The service is operated by Keolis Downer and the trial will be conducted over six months with the support of the SA Government's Future Mobility Lab Fund.

Customers will be matched to any of a fleet of eight Mercedes-Benz Sprinter buses over the two locations by the Keoride app, developed by Via. The app will identify passengers travelling in the same direction before determining the best bus to meet their requirements. Passengers can track their bus and receive an ETA updated in real time.

"The Keoride on-demand ride-sharing service offers a way of making public transport needs-based, efficient and sustainable – especially when it involves the use of spacious, safe and comfortable Sprinter vans," says Diane Tarr, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand.

"It's the perfect collaboration. Via is one of the most successful providers in the growing ride-sharing sector; Keolis Downer is Australia’s largest private provider of multi modal public transport; and we have the perfect vehicles for the job. Through our involvement in this new mobility service, we are taking a logical step in the context of bringing our global mobility strategy to life locally."

Mercedes-Benz Vans says the system is just one way it is realising its adVANce strategy to transform itself from a vehicle manufacturer to a "provider of holistic van system solutions".

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The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 416 was selected for use in the trial, in a long wheelbase format and fitted with the brand's optional bus pack, comprising rear air-conditioning, an electric side entrance step, rear interior trimming and rear side windows.

Upon delivery from Mercedes-Benz Vans Centre Northside, local conversion specialist VQuip then added seating and other key bus requirements.

Keolis Downer says safety was a major consideration in sourcing the buses from Mercedes-Benz. The vehicles come with an array of safety features including Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Attention Assist, along with a reversing camera and front and side airbags for both the driver and front passenger.