While the main S-Bahn line in Stuttgart is closed for engineering works, customers now also have the option of booking flexible on-demand buses in the Mobility Stuttgart app of the S-Bahn. From 30 July to 11 September 2022, the rail replacement minibuses will provide an additional mobility service during evenings and weekends on two routes.
Rail replacement buses can be booked via app for the first time
The DB companies ioki and Mobimeo are delivering the technology for the on-demand service: the pooling and routing software comes from ioki. Mobimeo develops the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform on which the Mobility Stuttgart app is based. Together with S-Bahn Stuttgart and DB Regio Bus, they are implementing the digital rail replacement service “S-Bahn OnDemand”. The ioki software that enables the digital, demand-oriented rail replacement service in the Mobility Stuttgart app is deeply integrated via an API (application programming interface). This form of integration allows users to find the on-demand buses in the app and book them directly without having to open another app.
ioki and Mobimeo take a holistic approach to integrated mobility and combine classic public transport services with digital sharing and pooling solutions. For example, the two tech companies have already joined forces to further develop the multimodal app KVV-mobil of the transport association Karlsruher Verkehrsverbund (KVV). Since 2019, DB has supplemented its range of scheduled bus services with around 330 on-demand services, transporting more than seven million passengers.
Dr. Michael Barillère-Scholz, CEO and co-founder of ioki: “Germany’s first digitally controlled rail hub is being created in Stuttgart, so it makes perfect sense to also provide a digital option for rail replacement services. Together with Mobimeo, we are implementing an on-demand service in Stuttgart that provides reliable and flexible mobility for passengers while rail lines are being modernised.”
Heike Löffler, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Mobimeo: “Mobimeo’s mobility platform connects various means of transport: in Stuttgart, while trains are not running on the main S-Bahn line, public buses provide a good option for getting from A to B via road. The Mobility Stuttgart app allows users to find the best connection and book on-demand buses directly in the app.”
