Keolis among 15 companies to sign 'shared mobility' manifesto

Fifteen transportation and technology companies yesterday signed a list of "shared mobility principles for livable cities."

The principles include lowering emissions, boosting data sharing and prioritizing "people over vehicles," according to a press release issued by Keolis, one of the companies to sign the list. Keolis operates the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's commuter-rail network.

Other signees include ride-hailing companies Lyft and Uber, as well as Zipcar, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Paris Deputy Mayor Jean-Louis Missika. 

The goal of the manifesto is to align cities, the private sector and society around a shared vision for transportation.

"As a leader in public transport, Keolis has a solid foundation for the mobility of the future, which we see as being connected, autonomous, shared and electric," said Bernard Tabary, Keolis International chief executive officer. "These elements are key to addressing the world's rapid urbanization, as we all strive to make life in cities more pleasant and livable."

Together, the 15 companies account for 77 million passenger trips a day, Keolis officials said.

In an interview for Progressive Railroading's 2018 Outlook report, American Public Transportation Association Senior Adviser Richard White said transit agencies are starting to partner with ride-sharing companies for first- and last-mile connections.

These partnerships are the "building blocks for our transportation systems of tomorrow," he said.