Unique EV ridesharing service

Auckland Transport is trialling an electric vehicle (EV) ridesharing service between commuters’ homes and the Devonport ferry. The scheme aims to encourage more people to use the ferry and the vehicles will operate within a 3km radius of the ferry terminal, primarily in the morning and afternoon peak. Devonport has been chosen as the location of the trial due to it’s unique geography in which the only ways in and out are on the ferry to the city centre or along the heavily congested Lake Road. The move is also being applauded by Drive Electric. The not-for-profit group supports the trial as it shows Auckland Transport is doing their bit to promote sustainable solutions. “Ridesharing has a part to play in making public transport more accessible for commuters,” Drive Electric deputy chair Duncan Stewart says. “The fact that Auckland Transport has chosen to source electric vehicles for the trial illustrates it is looking at possible ways to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.” The ride-sharing service will allow customers to use a smartphone app to schedule or call an on-demand electric vehicle to take them to and from the Devonport Ferry Terminal and their destination. “Commuters are more likely to use the service if it’s convenient. Being able to easily book a ride through an app just makes sense,” says Stewart. Stewart hopes AT’s decision might encourage other public and private sector organisations to consider using EVs for commercial purposes.  “More and more organisations are adopting electric vehicles for everything from grocery deliveries to rubbish collection these days. This continues the trend.” The start date is expected to be mid-2018.