RideShark Develops Powerful Winter On-Demand Community-Based Transit Network Technology in Partnership with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network
In partnership with Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), RideShark Corporation has developed the Winter On-Demand Community Transit Network technology.
Pembroke, ON – Jan 9, 2025 – RideShark is proud to announce the recent successful demonstration of the advanced technology behind its Winter On-Demand Community Transit Network, developed in partnership with the County of Renfrew and with support from the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). Designed to connect community members through shared rides, this innovative solution empowers both volunteer and salaried drivers to offer empty seats to passengers in need, creating a regional network for non-emergency, non-medical trips.
“RideShark’s Winter On-Demand Community Transit Network demonstrates the real, positive impact Ontario-made technologies can have once advanced to market,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through OVIN, our government is proud to support a project that showcases Ontario’s excellence in innovation while enhancing the safety and efficiency of transportation in rural communities. We congratulate RideShark on their successful demonstration and look forward to seeing their program expand.”
The project addresses the transportation gap for individuals living in areas underserved by public transportation, those aging in place, or unable to drive, providing access to essential services, community events, shopping, and social connections. By enabling people to retain transportation independence, it promotes community engagement and quality of life.
As a precursor to autonomous vehicles, the system integrates features such as weather monitoring, trip booking for users and administrators, and driver availability management. It supports a unified platform for community drivers, fleets or even local taxis. Despite the significant complexity of the back-end technology, the user interface is specifically designed to be intuitive for all users, with a special focus on older adults.
This project is expected to lay the foundation for the next generation of transportation solutions in areas underserved by public transit.
Funded through Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), RideShark was awarded $500K from the Government of Ontario, alongside in-kind contributions from the County of Renfrew and RideShark’s cash investment, bringing the total project value to $1,594,200. The project commenced on February 5, 2021.
“The ability for people to travel in communities without transit access is essential for supporting aging-in-place, enhancing community vibrancy, and fostering social connections. This project, with its significant complexity, enabled RideShark to build a robust framework that empowers people to reach their destinations more easily. Our collaboration with the County of Renfrew and OVIN was invaluable in making this vision a reality.”
Sharon Lewinson, President & CEO, Co-founder, RideShark Corporation
“The County of Renfrew is uniquely positioned as rural in nature yet offering urban services to our community. The County of Renfrew was excited to participate in this collaborative project to explore opportunities for enhancing transportation services to support our continued vibrant growth and prosperity. In addition, the County encourages and contributes to the enterprising spirit and embraces opportunities to participate in new technology initiatives.”
Peter Emon, Warden, The County of Renfrew
“The growth of communities across Ontario presents opportunities to revolutionize the transportation landscape, unlocking the potential for new mobility solutions to connect people to the goods and services they need and increase efficiency, safety, and economic activity. Ontario is paving the way for homegrown innovators to bring these technologies to roads across the province and build collaborative networks with municipalities to facilitate their adoption.”
Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN
“This innovative project exemplifies how Ontario-made technologies can address critical community needs while shaping the future of transportation. Through OVIN’s support, RideShark is bridging the transportation gap in underserved areas, providing a lifeline for residents while laying the groundwork for next-generation transit solutions. This is a powerful example of innovation driving not just technological progress but also meaningful social impact across Ontario.”
Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation
About RideShark Corporation
RideShark is a global leader in mobility management solutions, dedicated to enhancing transportation efficiency, sustainability, equity, and accessibility. The powerful RideShark Unified MobilityTM platform empowers organizations—hospitals, universities, businesses, and municipalities—to fully manage commuter programs while supporting individuals in making sustainable travel choices. With advanced features like multimodal trip planning, carpooling, incentives and real-time reporting, RideShark helps reduce environmental impact and traffic congestion.
In rural and areas underserved by transit, RideShark’s new on-demand community-based ridesharing solutions play a vital role in supporting aging-in-place, providing access to essential social services, and improving overall quality of life. By offering flexible, inclusive mobility options, RideShark delivers equitable transportation solutions that benefit both individuals and communities.
About The County of Renfrew
The County of Renfrew is an upper tier municipal government stretching west from Ottawa to the northern tip of historic Algonquin Park. Founded in 1861, Renfrew is the largest county in Ontario and is made up of 17 municipalities. As the largest geographic county in the Province of Ontario, Renfrew County is rural by nature, yet the many urban centres and major employers in the county make sure that residents have access to the supports and services they deserve.
Today, Renfrew County offers a full range of services, activities and opportunities for its citizens. From municipal services, award winning trails, a Canadian Heritage River, small town charm, and the continued friendship of the Algonquin First Nation People, Renfrew County is a truly a fantastic place to live, work and play.
About The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.
For more information: https://www.ovinhub.ca
Media contacts:
RideShark:
Sharon Lewinson
Sharon@RideShark.com
613-226-9845
County of Renfrew:
Tina Peplinskie
tpeplinskie@countyofrenfrew.on.ca
613.735.7288
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OVIN):
Alicia Pereira
apereira@oc-innovation.ca
