A Small Town with Big Mobility Challenges

Best‑practice description
Vallirana (near Barcelona) suffered from infrequent public‑transport services, leaving residents heavily reliant on cars. Shotl redesigned suburban mobility by combining fixed‑route buses during peak periods with on‑demand rides during off‑peak hours, creating a seamless, cost‑neutral service.

The system integrates three digital tools:

• Passenger App – booking, payment, and real‑time arrival information.
• Driver App – live route optimisation and dispatch.
• Central Control Console – monitoring, data analytics, and performance reporting.

The local operator, Soler i Sauret, deployed the apps, while the Vallirana Town Council financed the service and provided supplemental support via a phone helpline and staffed help points.

Algorithms dynamically optimise routes during on‑demand periods, guaranteeing coverage for all residents. After 36 months the service recorded higher ridership, increased revenue, and reduced public‑transport spending, while encouraging more walking and healthier lifestyles.

Evidence of success / impact

• Cost per passenger fell 29.5 % (from €16.11 to €11.35).
• Daily passenger numbers rose 250 % (from 20 to 70).
• Service coverage expanded 60 % (from 55 to 88 stops).
• User‑satisfaction score reached 4.6 / 5.
• Average waiting time dropped 85 % (from 75‑90 min to 13 min).
• Within six weeks, 190 users signed up, with the majority booking via the app.

Key lessons learned

• Overcoming initial resistance required intensive driver training, a strong marketing campaign, and a backup phone line/help points to aid adoption.
• Real‑time data and analytics are essential for route optimisation and maintaining flexibility in service parameters.
• Continuous monitoring and iterative adjustments ensure the service stays aligned with evolving user demand.
• Combining advanced technology with an adaptive service model can dramatically improve suburban mobility without increasing costs.