The INNOAIR project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovative Actions Initiative.
Modeshift Europe is proud to be a part of the INNOAIR initiative. Our central position to the project involves the creation and implementation of an on-demand public transportation platform (ODPTP) which will be carried out by a team of dedicated professionals already dealing with similar projects.
The need for an on-demand public transportation platform in Sofia stems from the problematic levels of air pollution generated by a number of contributors. One of the biggest pollutants is traffic – the use of personal vehicles prevails as the current public transportation system seems to be not appealing enough for citizens to switch over to using the available public transit options on a larger scale. An ODPTP can significantly reduce traffic pollution as well as congestions by providing a green alternative which is easy to use and attractive for people who are currently using their personal vehicles.
INNOAIR will pilot the first in Europe “on-demand green public transport” in Sofia, which will entirely shift the way public transport works. Modeshift’s DRT (demand-responsive transportation) platform creates dynamic route patterns based on demand, taking into account the preferred pick-up location and destination of all current requests. A user-friendly application will leverage machine learning and advanced data analytics to create the most efficient route for each ride, collecting as many passengers as possible.
As more and more people opt for ODPTP, traffic congestions will decrease and the entire public transit system will be able to function more efficiently. This will in turn contribute to the decrease of harmful emissions of air pollutants, effectively improving the health and lifestyle of the citizens of Sofia.
Modeshift is responsible for the creation and implementation of the ODPTP architecture & documentation to be used as a reference. A demo with core functionalities will be created to showcase the abilities of the platform. Then, after discussion and approval, a final version with back end and front end will be provided as well as a platform manual to serve as a stepping stone in the development of similar projects across Europe. The platform will be presented primarily as a mobile one, but will also be available for desktop users. It will be open to integrations with existing Sofia Traffic systems, as well as any other future MaaS platforms.
Creating and implementing an ODPTP in Sofia will be a challenging task that Modeshift is happy to be a part of. A green and sustainable way to travel within city limits will ensure a higher quality of life for all citizens. We believe that this platform will serve as a reference point for many similar projects, improving transit standards across Europe.
AUTHOR
Ilina Chipilska is a marketing expert with more than 10 years of experience being involved in a wide range of projects. At Modeshift she manages all marketing activities and the company's online presence.
