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    1. Alt. Mobility
    2. Shared Mobility

    TransLink innovation call results in new multimodal partnerships

    Jan. 14, 2019
    New partnerships aims to bring easier, more convenient and more seamless travel to Metro Vancouver residents.
    Modo Co-operative
    Modo Co-operative is one of three multimodal companies that will partner with TransLink to bring mobility options to transit riders.
    Modo Co-operative is one of three multimodal companies that will partner with TransLink to bring mobility options to transit riders.

    Providing customers with convenient bundled mobility services will be the focus of a new partnership between TranslInk and Evo Car Share, Modo Co-operative and Mobi by Shaw Go. TransLink believes proving multimodal offerings will make travel easier, more convenient and more seamless for Metro Vancouver residents.

    The partnership with the three local companies is the result of TransLink's first Open Innovation Call, which queried individuals, entrepreneurs, academics and industry insiders to present their ideas on the future of mobility in the region. TransLink evaluated 90 submissions against a specified set of criteria and the successful proponents were selected by an internal panel. 

    “We’ve heard from people throughout Metro Vancouver that they want more options to get around the region and we believe this partnership creates an opportunity to explore how we help do that,” said TransLink’s CEO Kevin Desmond. “TransLink will continue to be on the forefront of exploring how we use new technology and new ideas to move people reliably, conveniently and sustainably.”

    Evo Car Share and Modo Co-operative offer on-demand car sharing services in the Metro Vancouver area, while Mobi by Shaw Go offers bike sharing services. 

    All three shared mobility companies expressed excitement to work together and with TransLink. Eric Hopkins, chief strategic ventures officer and chief digital officer for British Columbia Automobile Association, which operates Evo Car Share, said the partnership will "find simple and seamless ways for people to get where they need to go and enjoy all that the Vancouver region has to offer."  

    “Having access to multiple modes of active and sustainable transportation is key to reducing the number of private vehicles on our roads, while improving livability in our region,” said Patrick Nangle, CEO of Modo Co-operative. “This collaboration gives us a real opportunity to improve mobility access and convenience for our members and the community at large.”

    Laura Beattie, special projects/customer service manager of Mobi by Shaw Go, added that the partnership will provide more first- and last-mile trip solutions while showcasing a joint commitment to shaping the future of mobility.

    The Open Innovation Call is a part of TransLink's larger New Mobility initiative which examines broader transportation trends to better understand evolving consumer demands and travel patterns. Seamless mobility was identified as a priority in the Mayors’ Council 10 Year Vision and funding towards advancing this objective has been earmarked under the Phase 1 Investment Plan.

    About the Author

    Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

    Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

    Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content. 

    She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

    She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.

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