4. September 2024
Efficient bus services thanks to flexible routes
‘Start-ups in focus’ series: Flexible bus services make public transport more attractive in areas of previously low demand
In rural areas where public transport connections are often inadequate, it is perhaps not surprising that the majority of people rely on their cars. Yet digital solutions can help reverse this trend by making bus services more flexible and attractive for users, and more efficient for providers.
As part of our ‘Start-ups in focus’ series, here we shine the spotlight on a company that was not only showcased in the IT-TRANS Start-up Zone this year, but also won the Future Mobility Award 2024 for innovative and sustainable transport solutions. Allow us to introduce Nemi.
Founded in 2020, the Barcelona-based company has developed an independent software tool that provides on-demand bus services and optimises routes. By only travelling to stops that are requested in advance by passengers, services are more flexible and efficient, and thus more attractive in areas where demand was previously low. We spoke to Abby Meuli, R&D Project Manager at Nemi.
Ms Meuli, what do you think are the most pressing challenges in public transport?
One of the big challenges for public transport is making it work effectively outside urban areas. In many European cities, including Barcelona, the public transport offering is excellent, with multiple mobility options. However, the picture is quite different in semi-rural or rural areas, where people often have to use private cars to get around. This isn’t a small scale problem either, as approximately 30% of the EU’s population live in rural areas.
Low passenger numbers, and subsequent low revenue, impact the ability of public transport authorities to implement effective transport options. There are multiple solutions to this problem, but strategies must be adapted to local contexts, rather than copying the tried and tested public transport models that operate in cities. Carpooling is one approach, connecting rural regions with private drivers looking to make similar trips. Similarly, the delivery of packages can be incorporated into public transport bus services in rural areas, thus boosting the local economy.
Finally, demand-responsive transport can prove to be a lifeline for areas where a fixed line route would be too inefficient. Nemi’s on-demand transport system enables people to reserve a seat on the bus, with the driver only stopping at places that have been previously requested. The beauty of this system is that we can work together with public authorities to place virtual bus stops in areas that were previously lacking in public transport options. As a result, more people in previously under-served areas can make essential journeys without the need for a private vehicle.
What will it take to encourage more people to switch to public transport?
As I mentioned in my previous answer, for more people to use public transport, it must be designed for and suited to their needs. Too often, existing public transport doesn’t fulfil the requirements of users, particularly in rural areas where buses may pass very infrequently, or during hours that don’t allow potential users to access work, education or social opportunities.
Designing effective public transport solutions requires genuine engagement with users. The days of decisions being made behind closed doors without user input should be over. At Nemi, we prioritise customer feedback to shape our services. We recently conducted over 60 in-depth interviews with our users, hopping on buses to chat directly with them, and this hands-on approach provided invaluable insights.
For instance, we learned that while some elderly users struggled with apps, many were proficient with WhatsApp for staying connected with family and friends. As a result, we created a WhatsApp bot that allows users to book bus spots through a simple chat interface, bypassing the need for a separate app. This has been a game-changer, making our service more accessible for elderly passengers and infrequent users like tourists.
What are your experiences as a start-up with regard to external factors: are there hurdles that make life difficult for you as a young company or, conversely, boosters that help you move forward?
As a startup, we thrive on agility and speed, but working within the public transport sector can present challenges. The complex web of contractual, political and budgetary constraints means that implementing our services can take longer than we’d like.
Having said that, the growing emphasis on sustainable mobility is a major boost for us. Government initiatives, including Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), are reshaping how urban and surrounding areas manage transportation. This shift aligns perfectly with Nemi’s mission, as our solutions minimise the distance buses travel, cut CO2 emissions and reduce reliance on private cars.
Moreover, we’ve found that public transport authorities are increasingly open to exploring innovative solutions like Nemi’s. Their enthusiasm for on-demand services underscores their recognition of the significant benefits our approach can offer passengers. This supportive environment helps us advance our goals and expand our impact in the mobility sector.
In conclusion, what was your experience at IT-TRANS and what advice would you give to other start-ups?
We had a fantastic time at IT-TRANS, meeting old friends and established players, and discovering new innovators. It was also an invaluable opportunity to network with industry leaders.
After a day of meetings and introductions, the family dinner and networking night were great fun. The group drum session was a real highlight, and I was genuinely impressed by the dance moves in the later hours, there was no holding back!
IT-Trans, we’ll see you in 2026!