Postbus launches app-controlled shared cabs
Postauto, a subsidiary of Swiss Post, is launching a new shared-ride taxi service under the name Kollibri. A spokeswoman confirmed this to the Handelszeitung. The pilot project is underway in the Brugg region.
Kollibri is reminiscent of shared cabs as you know them from traveling abroad. Minibuses collect customers traveling in the same direction and distribute them to their destinations as efficiently as possible. What's new here is the approach: Anyone who wants to travel with Kollibri needs the appropriate cell phone app. This works in much the same way as the Uber ride service.
The customer defines his destination and where he wants to be picked up. They then pay directly from the app with their credit card. Postbus does not officially provide any information about the cost of the trip. An employee of the already active customer hotline speaks of a fare "between that of a cab ride and a public transport ticket for a comparable route. The launch should be imminent.
The Kollibri website is up and running, and the accompanying app can already be installed and registered. Automobile importer Amag is acting as a partner. The company is still in final negotiations with partners, says the spokeswoman. The launch will take place as soon as all contracts have been signed. Kollibri will initially be tested in Brugg for a year. The Postauto spokeswoman does not say whether the service will then be rolled out nationwide. So far, there are no plans beyond the pilot project. According to Handelszeitung, the app is apparently based on the Finnish service Kyytiwhich was already launched in March 2017. (pd/hae)
