PubliCar Vaud
A digitized, On-Demand stop-to-stop transport service in the Vaud countryside
PubliCar Vaud is an On-Demand transport service that can be booked mainly for evening journeys at the weekend via the PubliCar App. All you have to do is specify the pick-up point, the destination point and the time you want. The dynamic application allows customers to follow their journey and enjoy it to the full.
Anchor Navigation
Initial situation
During the weekends and in the evening, a range of night-time public transport services has been put forward to supplement fixed routes in the Canton of Vaud, mainly in the regions of Gros-de-Vaud, Jorat and Nord Vaudois.
As a general rule, the public transport provided only partially meets the needs of evening users in terms of geographical flexibility (accessibility of more remote regions) and timetable, and also in terms of the first and last mile: PubliCar Vaud is an effective solution for providing customers with connections to and from SBB, LEB or Travys stations.
Economically speaking, an increase in service coverage based of the current model is not viable due to the relatively small number of users, and given that the region is served by 5 vehicles. Analyses are underway to optimize the service.
The service is also provided during the day (in the region of Thierrens) on Saturdays and Sundays, making it easier for the elderly or people with reduced mobility to get around.
Customers pay a comfort surcharge of CHF 5 in addition to the regular fare.
Objectives
Provide an additional mobility service (in addition to private car and public transport) for the local population, especially young people
- Improve first and last-mile coverage at weekends and for night-time journeys
- Improve the quality of life of the local population
- Improving links and accessibility in remote areas
- Making transport services fit for purpose as an alternative to private cars
Results
Each communication campaign has improved these results, but the very scattered range makes it somewhat difficult to raise awareness of the service and improve its profitability.
The number of journeys (in green) and passengers carried (in grey) rose steadily up to November 2023 before plateauing in 2024, reaching approx. 50,000 passenger kilometres per year for 1,100 journeys and 1,500 passengers.
Sectors and hours of operation
Night-time areas: rural and dispersed settlement, at weekends from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Pool of 5 vehicles with different capacities (average: 16), use as needed; London taxi used during promotional period
Day-time area: Thierrens region, Saturday from 7 to 11 a.m., 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m to 12 p.m., 2:30 to 7 p.m., with only 1 vehicle.
