Being on the map

It’s frequently heard that “being on the map” in a market is one of the keys to success for a startup.

Branding, advertising, PR, corporate communication, events, and many efforts to be a player and be known by clients, users and competitors. Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) emerging market has now its first reference world map.

A recent article by Lukas Foljanty named “Mapping the global on demand ridepooling market”, provides a global view of the different locations where DRT has been deployed during the last years, and the software suppliers and transport operators that made it possible, as well as information about the extend of each project among other relevant data. DRT service providers started gaining momentum back in 2017, and projects have been growing exponentially ever since, currently paused by the 2020 parenthesis, once overcome will probably peak again, according to the data shown.

The map shows not only who the big players are, but also the areas that are already open to implement DRT in their transit planning. Being EU, North America, ME and Asia the hotspots, with many upcoming implementations. A closer view would reveal large geographical areas without logos, as a sign of the potential growth that DRT foresees ahead. The article draws attention to the novelty of the market, with many projects lasting less than 12 months and most of them (60%) tagged as pilots. Publicly funded projects also account for a majority.

Shotl experienced expansion during last years (we have presence in 10 countries already), and envisions being a key solution to grant access to public transport to those people who live or work in underserved areas. We are proud of being a player in this “map”. Developing DRTs will certainly contribute to a fairer, richer and cleaner society for the following generation to come.

It will be an important role, to educate local and regional authorities on the gain of using on demand public transport in their communities along with showing the passengers that this could be, in fact, their best convenient mobility solution. Having such map as a reference could also help move projects ahead by showing its actual spread.

Same as our passengers feel safe when checking on their smartphones the vehicle’s moving location moments before being picked up, at Shotl we feel we are on a safe path towards making DRT services a common reality in less populated villages and rural areas. Public transit access creates opportunities for its users. Let’s put them on the map!