Tech firm Via buys Citymapper to expand its end-to-end TransitTech solution By CIOTechOutlook Team

Tech firm Via buys Citymapper to expand its end-to-end TransitTech solution

CIOTechOutlook Team | Friday, 17 March 2023, 09:00 IST

Citymapper, the top travel planning app and transit technology firm located in the UK, was bought by Via, the world leader in transit technology. The Citymapper acquisition accelerates Via's aim to develop the end-to-end digital infrastructure for transit networks, after the company's most recent fundraising round.

While Citymapper equips transit users with the capacity to explore the urban transport network through simple and elegantly designed apps, Via's software enables cities and transit agencies to effectively plan and operate their public transit networks. Via will be able to integrate all components of a transport system and provide a uniform solution for cities, transit agencies, and users of the system by incorporating Citymapper into its platform.

Since its launch in 2012, Citymapper has developed a best-in-class solution that has attracted a worldwide following of devoted and active users. Using a combination of public transportation, walking, biking, renting a scooter, taking a cab, and other locally available choices, more than 50 million people in more than 100 cities have used Citymapper to plan their travels.

The Citymapper app will guide users as they choose the best option and navigate their journey in real time. Users can plan a trip based on the parameters that matter most to them, such as transit mode, arrival time, trip duration, cost, etc. An amazing journey-planning experience is made possible by Citymapper's potent technology and algorithms, which incorporate real-time public transit data and take into consideration information on disruptions and delays.

The Citymapper product will be integrated into Via's TransitTech platform. Cities and transit agencies will have access to Via's software platform which enables them to plan transit networks that are responsive and resilient to rapidly changing needs, to operate smart multi-modal transportation systems, and to use data to continually enhance performance — now unified with an optimized experience for riders from Citymapper. Following the acquisition, the Citymapper app will continue to be available to its worldwide user base, and Via anticipates it will further expand Citymapper's global reach.

The Via TransitTech platform will incorporate the Citymapper software. Cities and transit agencies will have access to Via's software platform, which combines an enhanced user experience from Citymapper with the ability to operate smart multi-modal transportation systems and develop transit networks that are responsive and robust to fast changing needs. The Citymapper app will remain accessible to its global user base following the acquisition, and Via hopes that it will further increase Citymapper's global reach.

"We have the utmost respect for the world-class product and user experience that Azmat and his team have built," said Via co-founder and CEO Daniel Ramot. "By bringing our teams together, we see an exciting opportunity to deliver Citymapper's capabilities to cities and transit agencies all over the world, so that they can create the most user-friendly and relevant transit experience for their communities."

"The team at Citymapper has spent a decade building some of the greatest technology in urban mobility, with the mission to make cities easier to navigate and urban transportation more efficient, sustainable, and accessible," said Citymapper founder and CEO Azmat Yusuf. "We share this vision with Via, and through this acquisition, can expand Citymapper to a larger audience, make our technology available to cities and transit agencies, and extend the positive impact on the communities we serve."

Following the profitable purchases of Remix in 2021 and Fleetonomy in 2020, Via has now acquired Citymapper. These purchases take place at a time when the TransitTech sector is seeing rapid growth, with technology and innovation opening the door for a new wave of flexible and smart transportation options.