METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Via, Keolis Downer launch Aus. on-demand service

The Newcastle service will initially span the neighborhoods of Warners Bay, Gateshead, Charlestown, and Dudley.

January 19, 2018
Via, Keolis Downer launch Aus. on-demand service

Newcastle is the first city in Australia to introduce Via’s on-demand shared rides. Photo courtesy of Via. 

1 min to read


Newcastle is the first city in Australia to introduce Via’s on-demand shared rides. Photo courtesy of Via.

New York City-based ride-sharing startup Via launched a new app-based, on-demand service in Newcastle, Australia, in partnership with Keolis Downer, the company announced.

Leveraging its experience providing over 25 million shared rides to date, Via partners with transportation providers around the world, enabling the integration of dynamically-routed shared ride shuttles to supplement traditional fixed-route solutions.

Ad Loading...

Newcastle is the first city in Australia to introduce Via’s on-demand shared rides.

Via’s technology is already powering transport solutions across the U.S. and Europe, and is quickly expanding its presence in Oceania with the recent launch of Savy, a popular on-demand shuttle service in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The Newcastle Transport On Demand, which launched Jan. 14, allows customers to instantly book a ride from their chosen pick up location to their destination within the on-demand area; Via’s algorithm instantly matching customers with a dynamically routed vehicle and other passengers going their way.

The Newcastle service will initially span the neighborhoods of Warners Bay, Gateshead, Charlestown, and Dudley; if successful, it will expand to other areas.

Customers can pay for their rides directly through the Newcastle Transport On Demand app. Credit card payments will be accepted over the phone, and cash payments will be accepted on buses.

Ad Loading...

The Newcastle Transport On-Demand service is part of Newcastle Transport’s overhaul of the bus and ferry network.

More New Mobility

Officials and community leaders cut a ribbon in front of a Pace On Demand shuttle bus outside Rolling Meadows City Hall to celebrate expanded on-demand transit service in northwest Cook County.
New Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Chicago Pace Expand On-Demand Transportation Program

The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.

Read More →
A vehicle that will be used for MARTA's Reach mobility program.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Set to Launch New On-Demand Transportation Service

An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.

Read More →
A black and blue HOLON urban autonomous vehicle on a city street.
New Mobilityby Elora HaynesFebruary 26, 2026

CharterUP Moves to Scale Autonomous Shuttle Deployments Through HOLON Partnership

The partnership aims to accelerate the rollout of electric, high-capacity autonomous shuttles for campuses, airports, transit systems, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 22, 2026

5 Costly Myths About Paratransit Vehicles

What agencies often overlook when selecting vehicles.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Fleet Software ROI: Boost Uptime & Safety

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →