ViaVan, a joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans in Europe and an Uber rival has launched its first on-demand service in Finland in partnership with the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL). It will power a dynamically routed first-and-last mile transit solution in the region. This on-demand public mobility service will let residents of the Helsinki suburb of Espoo book an on-demand ride and connect to train or Metro stations within the zone of operation.
Winner of HSL’s IdeaLab competition
ViaVan was selected as a winner of HSL’s IdeaLab competition. This competition is aimed to finding new and innovative mobility solutions in Helsinki. ViaVan raised nearly €500,000 for the service program. This program leverages its expertise and technology to drive ridership to public transit and minimises the necessity for private vehicles to commute between Espoo and the city of Helsinki.