RideShark Corporation Partners with County of Renfrew and Ontario to Develop World’s First Winterized On-Demand Community Transit Network
In partnership with the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), RideShark will pilot a winterized on-demand transportation technology solution for Renfrew County.
Ottawa – February 23, 2021 – Through Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network’s (AVIN) WinterTech Development Fund, RideShark Corporation (RideShark) will receive support for a pilot project to bring a Winterized On-Demand Community Transit Solution to the County of Renfrew in Eastern Ontario.
RideShark is a global leading provider of commuter management solutions that public sector, corporate and campus-based organizations use to promote safe and sustainable mobility options such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transit and active transportation, all on one easy-to-use app. Leveraging its Unified Mobility™ platform, RideShark will develop a community transit solution that can withstand harsh Canadian winters on semi-urban and rural roads.
As the largest county in all of Ontario by land size, encompassing a variety of environments and populations centres, the County of Renfrew is an ideal partner to enable the development, testing and validation of a world-best solution. Understanding the specific needs of community members and organizations – including social service and health agencies, employer associations and recreational groups – will enable the development of a complete solution.
Through AVIN, RideShark received $500,000 in support from the Ontario government, with a further $1,094,200 in industry contribution, for a total project value of $1,594,200.
With the support from the Ontario government through AVIN, RideShark in partnership with the County of Renfrew will develop and commercialize a leading transportation technology solution that will improve community accessibility, employment, health and social connections, as well as sustainability outcomes.
“We are thrilled to be awarded the AVIN WinterTech Development fund to develop this game-changing technology in partnership with County of Renfrew. On-Demand Community Transit is one of the fastest-growing segments of the transportation sector and we intend to develop the first fully-winterized solution to meet the needs of smaller and rural communities across Ontario, Canada and the world. We greatly appreciate the support of the Government of Ontario in this project which will allow us to create jobs, increase sales and develop new intellectual property, all of which is catalyzing our growth.”
Sharon Lewinson, President, RideShark Corporation
“The County of Renfrew is proud to be bringing such an innovative transportation solution to the residents of Renfrew County. We are excited to be collaborating with the Ontario government, through the Ontario Centre of Innovation and the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network, and RideShark to host this world-leading pilot and demonstration project,”
Warden Debbie Robinson, County of Renfrew
“Through the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network, Ontario is pleased to support this collaboration between RideShark Corporation and the County of Renfrew that will provide a winterized ride share system for people across the county. Transportation technologies like this one help make it easier for people in rural and smaller communities to travel to their destinations, especially during winter.”
Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation
“Here’s an inspiring project that our government is proud to support: the public and private sectors working together to pioneer leading-edge technologies with global potential that enhance mobility and quality of life in our communities. The pilot is a great illustration of why we added the WinterTech Development stream to our Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network. Partnering with Ontario’s ambitious technology companies to foster growth and innovation makes our economy more competitive and supports our work to help businesses rebound from the impacts of COVID-19.”
Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
About RideShark
RideShark is a North American leader in the provision of customized, turnkey Mobility-as-a-Service solutions. Public transit agencies, government organizations, corporations, and campus institutions use the RideShark Unified Mobility platform to promote and encourage sustainable transportation. Currently covering over 50 million people globally, RideShark’s innovative platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to meet customer needs and international best practices.
About AVIN
The Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) is an initiative of the Ontario government, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in transportation technology and infrastructure systems. Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, AVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-based automotive and mobility technology companies.
Contacts
RideShark Corporation
Sharon Lewinson, President
613-226-9845
County of Renfrew:
Alastair Baird
Manager of Economic Development
613 732-0354
Michael Barber
Media Relations/Grants Coordinator
613-735-7288
