Public transport app Citymapper has built on its experience of running a ‘pop up’ minibus route in London (routeone, News, 10 May) by announcing that it has received approval to run a commercial weekend night service from late August.
The Night Rider will run between Aldgate East and Highbury and Islington stations and Citymapper will operate it in partnership with the Tower Transit-owned Impact Group, as it did with the earlier service.
Using data, Citymapper says that it has taken into account existing TfL contracted services, where users board and alight, and passenger demand since the opening of the Night Tube.
It adds that its geo-matching technology will route buses to various locations, minimising waits and allowing accurate predicted times of arrival. While exact vehicle type has not been disclosed, Citymapper suggests that they will be larger than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter City 45s used on the earlier trial.
Citymapper has also developed a tracking system for the route, and headway management will be in force. Contactless payments and Android Pay and Apple Pay will be accepted.
