Via brings on-demand shared mobility to Tokyo, partners with Mori Building to launch dynamic shuttle

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Jul 31, 2018, 21:00 ET

TOKYO, July 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mori Building Company, a leading Tokyo-based urban developer, has tapped New York startup Via to launch an on-demand transit service in Tokyo, providing an innovative new transportation solution to urban areas.

Via launches new on-demand shared mobility service in Tokyo in partnership with Mori Building.

"We are thrilled to partner with Mori to bring Via's revolutionary technology to Japan. Via's vision is to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions globally," said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. "We are excited to introduce this new service which will improve the quality of life for Mori employees."

Using the Via-powered HillsVia mobile app, Mori Building employees will be able to book a ride in high end V-Class vans provided by Mercedes-Benz. Via's technology will seamlessly match multiple passengers headed in the same direction, and dynamically direct the vehicle in real time along an optimized, efficient route. The new service will initially be available to approximately 1,300 Mori Building employees.

Mori's forward-thinking Tokyo service is the first in Japan to introduce Via's dynamic on-demand shared rides. Via's revolutionary technology powers transport solutions around the globe with projects throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and beyond. Leveraging its experience providing over 35 million shared rides to date, Via partners with public transportation authorities, transit operators, taxi fleets, and private companies around the world to solve local mobility needs for cities of all sizes.

Via's technology and operational experience is uniquely suited to the Japanese market, where Via operates through its subsidiary Via Mobility Japan GK. Via is able to seamlessly integrate with existing fixed-route transportation infrastructure, helping to fill in gaps where existing transit isn't easily accessible with a system that efficiently works to aggregate multiple passengers into shared vehicles, effectively reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips and thus improving traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions. The easy-to-use mobile interface is suited to riders of all ages, including the elderly.

"Via's on-demand shuttle services, with their unique and efficient algorithms, will contribute to solving the problems of urban transportation such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution. This service will improve city life by increasing transportation options in urban areas," said Masahiko Ogasawara, Director and Executive Managing Officer of Mori Building Co., Ltd.

Via's partnership with Mori was sparked and facilitated by Anchorstar.

About Via
Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via's mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform currently operates in the United States, and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via's technology is also deployed worldwide through partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation.

About Mori Building
Mori Building is an innovative urban developer based in Tokyo. The company is committed to maximizing the magnetic power of cities by creating and nurturing safe, sustainable and cosmopolitan urban centers based on its unique Vertical Garden City concept of high-rise centers for business, education, leisure and residence. The concept is applied in the company's many leading-edge projects, including ARK Hills, Omotesando Hills, Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills in Tokyo and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Mori Building is also engaged in real estate leasing, project management and consultation.

SOURCE Via