ViaVan is rolling out its on-demand ridesharing service into new areas in Milton Keynes after seeing high demand for the service in its first six months of operation.

ViaVan’s expansion increases the Milton Keynes service area by more than 30%

The scheme launched last autumn in the city following its debuts in Amsterdam and London earlier in the year and ViaVan’s partnership with Berlin’s public transit authority, BerlinerVerkehrsbetriebe (BVG).

Operated as a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Vans and US technology start-up Via, the scheme uses algorithms from Via to dynamically route Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourers, allowing passengers to seamlessly book a shared van through the ViaVan app. Already more than 25,000 rides have been completed since its launch in Milton Keynes.

Now, some four months after the scheme expanded in London, it’s also being introduced to new areas in Milton Keynes, covering Caledecotte and Magna Park. These are home to several major industrial parks and large employers in the area and the expansion sees the Milton Keynes service zone increase by more than 30% – with expansion into further areas also planned for later this year.

“At ViaVan, our goal is to eliminate the need for private car ownership by providing affordable and convenient on-demand shared transportation that can seamlessly integrate with existing public transit,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan. “We’re delighted to be expanding in Milton Keynes, providing greater access for residents to key transit points, businesses, and recreational locations in the area.”