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

A Nova LFSe+ electric bus for STM
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
A Merchants Fleet driver putting gas in a vehicle with text reading "6 Transit Management Lessons For Colleges and Universities."
New MobilityJune 15, 2026

6 Transit Management Lessons for Colleges and Universities Facing Seasonal Demand Swings

College transportation demand swings wildly throughout the year. Fleet strategies are starting to catch up.

Read More →
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
METROspectives episode with Joshua Schank
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 29, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, the co-author of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies, discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Biz Briefs for May 29, 2026

Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More

From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.

Read More →
An EMBARK bus going down the street.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 28, 2026

Inside Look: EMBARK Expands Fare-Free Transit Program Through New Public-Private Partnership

The OKC transit agency says sponsorship helps subsidize the Third Friday Free initiative while reducing barriers for first-time riders and boosting ridership across buses, streetcars, and river cruises.

Read More →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory

Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Heliox charger on KC Metro property

King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs

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

Read More →