On-demand, electric mini-bus service set to begin in Limassol
Image by metaCCAZE project
Limassol is set to implement a groundbreaking on-demand mini-bus service for school transport, blending electric public transport mini-buses with private vans. This service will initially be offered to adolescent students aged 12-18 for after-school activities, later expanding to tourists and company employees.
Limassol, one of the four metaCCAZE trailblazer cities, is working to reduce peak traffic and congestion. One of the use cases to be implemented in the Cypriot city is the on-demand mini-bus service for school transport, to be operated by EMEL (Limassol Public Bus Transport Company).
Currently in development, an on-demand platform will allow users to pre-book a seat. AI-based algorithms will match demand with the available fleet and guide mini-bus drivers on the best routes to follow, optimising both waiting and travel times. This service marks a significant step toward sustainability and climate neutrality, as it aims to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, shifting trips into shared journeys via mini-buses.
Currently, MaaSLab, the supporting partner of Limassol, has conducted interviews with professional drivers operating mini-vans, identifying demand in the city and preparing the platform and application that will be used in this use case. A Travel Demand Survey will be carried out between November 2024 and January 2025, involving volunteer participants from the city. The survey will track their daily trips through an application, present them with the service, and explore their attitudes and perceptions about:
- the design of the service, and its potential for success
- expected impact on traffic and safety
- emissions and climate contract targets
Additionally, the schools that will participate have already been identified, and workshops with parents are underway.
In conjunction with the on-demand mini-bus service, Limassol will also implement another use case, integrating smart systems to improve connectivity and support the electrification of the Public Transport System. MaaSLab is collecting all necessary data and cooperating with its local partner EMEL to assess the needs and align fleet availability, demand, and grid capacity.
In the metaCCAZE project, Limassol focuses on four exciting use cases to reduce peak traffic and congestion. Learn more here.
Author: Lisa Marie Hanß
