BerlKönig: A Fully Flexible On-Demand Shuttle to Supplement Existing Transit Options
Company Size
1,000+
Region
- Europe
Country
- Germany
Product
- BerlKönig
- FahrInfo
- Jelbi
Tech Stack
- API Integration
- Deep Linking
- Electric Vehicles
Implementation Scale
- Pilot projects
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Environmental Impact Reduction
- Innovation Output
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - API Integration & Management
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Facility Management
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Public Transportation Management
- Remote Asset Management
- Smart City Operations
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
About The Customer
The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is Berlin’s primary public transit agency, responsible for managing the city's extensive network of buses, trams, and trains. With a growing population and increasing congestion, BVG faces the challenge of providing reliable and affordable transportation options to meet the city's needs. To address these challenges, BVG has partnered with ViaVan, a joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, to launch innovative solutions like the BerlKönig on-demand shuttle service. This partnership aims to enhance Berlin's public transportation system by offering flexible, sustainable, and convenient mobility options, particularly during service gaps and in poorly served areas.
The Challenge
Berlin has an extensive existing transit network, but the city still faces transportation challenges: a growing population has led to increased congestion, bringing into focus the need for reliable, affordable shared mobility. This is especially the case during service gaps on evenings and weekends. As a result, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) — Berlin’s transit agency — partnered with ViaVan, the joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, to launch the largest public sector on-demand transit deployment in the world. The goal of the two-year pilot is to reduce Berlin’s traffic congestion and increase access by providing a sustainable shared mobility option that complements the BVG’s existing service.
The Solution
In September 2018, ViaVan launched Berlkönig, an affordable ridesharing option that primarily serves those traveling during times or to locations where existing fixed-route options are limited. We operate this service in the eastern part of inner-city Berlin using a fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which includes fully electric B-Class minibusses and wheelchair-accessible V-Class vans. Users without a bank account have the opportunity to purchase ride credit in selected BVG customer centers using cash. Riders without smartphones can use the service by booking a ride at designated kiosks in certain BVG customer centers. Our service also integrates with the BVG trip planning app “FahrInfo” through an API. Berlkönig appears when the alternative BVG connections are significantly slower or inconvenient to access. Users are redirected to the BerlKönig app through a deep link, and their request is processed without further action required. Full integration with the BVG’s new multimodal app, “Jelbi,” is currently underway, offering Berliners the most comprehensive way yet to plan, book, and pay for seamless public transportation.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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