Ford Signs Agreement for New On-Demand Shuttle Program in Nanjing
Ford, the Nanjing Jiangning Economic and Technological Development Zone Administrative Committee, and the Nanjing Jiangning Public Transportation Group Ltd. have agreed to sign a letter of intent for a pilot program that will look to cut down the amount of time that commuters spend in transit.
On the Cutting Edge: Ford’s augmented reality display wows visitors at major auto show
The letter of intent effectively signals the start of a project that will see the development of a shuttle system for Jiangning Economic and Technological Development Zone employees by the third quarter of this year. During the initial phases, an existing shuttle fleet will be used to optimize routes that the employees take on a daily basis. The algorithm that will be used to optimize the routes for efficiency will be developed by Ford, as will a user/driver interface that will allow the employees to get up-to-the-minute updates regarding any delays with their transportation.
“Ford’s vision is to make people’s lives better by changing the way the world moves. This exciting partnership in Nanjing, a vibrant but increasingly congested city, is a great example of how we can work with governments to achieve this vision,” said Dave Schoch, president, Ford Asia Pacific and chairman, Ford China. ‘‘We want to not only provide great vehicles but also serve as a leading technology provider to offer unique and innovative solutions for consumers.”
Depending on the information gleaned from the trial, Ford could ultimately launch a more effective on-demand shuttle experience more broadly. Ford has already conducted similar tests using the Chariot shuttle service in San Francisco, as well as using on-demand shuttles in Shanghai.
Looking Ahead: Ford makes continued strides toward reducing environmental impact
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.