Better Mode Integration. Better Mobility.

The performance of a public transportation system and its capacity to satisfy residents depends on how complementary and well-coordinated the various modes of transportation are (bus, trains, shuttles, taxis, car-share, bikes, etc.). We see public transportation networks as the lifeblood of a city—a circulatory system seamlessly moving people to where they need and want to go.

When the schedules and timing of different transportation modes are well-planned and well-integrated, wait times are minimized, and mobility and convenience are maximized. This translates to less time spent commuting—a universally appealing prospect to passengers. And by placing an emphasis on convenience, reliability and user-friendliness, we create well-integrated systems that connect people to what they care about, enabling them to access and enjoy all of the entertainment, cultural, sports and other attractions their cities have to offer. Some of the greatest cities in the world offer this kind of integrated mobility, like Paris and Tokyo, and we aspire to bring this to every city in which we work.

Veolia has helped achieve industry-leading levels of mode integration and customer convenience in many cities. Some of our leading examples include Bordeaux, Nice and Rouen in France, Limburg Province in the Netherlands, Bogota, and Columbia.

Mode Integration Requires Expertise

Mode integration involves a complex set of systems that must be planned and dynamically coordinated to provide easy connections and fluid mobility. Most of these systems are not directly visible to the passenger, but they are very important to the quality of the passenger experience.

In a city where the system is well integrated, modes of transportation and services come together in transfer points or “hubs.” Schedules are coordinated to minimize wait times at these points, which can be simple places where two modes of transport meet, or elaborate hubs with many transport modes, food and beverage services, banking, news and information, and more.

In our view, the network of hubs should be enhanced by information technology that provides real-time travel and schedule information, either via kiosks and electronic signs or through a personal communication device such as a mobile phone. We have expertise in planning, building and managing transportation networks and hubs, and in supporting them with the latest technology for real-time passenger information.

City Life in 2015

By 2015, about two-thirds of the world will be living in city regions. Experts predict that at least 35 cities will have a population of more than 10 million. In these so-called “megacities” (and many others), traffic congestion and pollution are expected to grow and personal mobility will become more constrained. We have the right experience in helping cities design the mode integration and connectivity that provide solutions to these challenging interrelated issues.

We have fully integrated the VIVA BRT with Toronto’s subway.
In York, a suburb of Toronto, we operate the VIVA BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, and have coordinated its schedule fully with Toronto’s downtown subway.

VIVA bus schedules are coordinated with subway schedules, fare cards are transferable, real-time information is provided to customers, and bus frequencies are maintained—making the connection between VIVA and the Toronto subway seamless to the customer.

And as the bus network stretches to the suburbs, we provide timed-transfers to the local York Region Transit (YRT) bus system. Our client also provides bicycle racks, or Park and Ride lots, and walking paths that provide a “last mile” solution.

Finally, to further enhance mode integration, the system uses articulated low floor vehicles that reduce the time to board. We have implemented a state-of-the-art signal prioritization system designed to speed travel through congested corridors. We also provide WIFI services and club-car seating to enhance the comfort and social interaction among customers within the bus.

In the Viva network, which we are proud to operate for York Region Transit, connectivity among modes has reduced commute times, improved ride quality and attracted more riders to the service—34% more riders in its first year.