Data will help Ford's Chariot shuttle service expand in NYC

After recently announcing a launch in Seattle, Ford is expanding its Chariot crowd-sourced shuttle service to New York and will serve individuals and enterprises. (Photo: Ford)

Ford's expansion of the service in New York is somewhat higher-key and auspicious than in Seattle, where Chariot will focus on enterprise customers at least initially. In New York, however, Chariot will launch routes based on popular demand — which is how the shuttle service was originally designed — and will also serve enterprise and private charter van customers. (Photo: Ford)

Chariot aims to be a first- and last-mile commuter service transporting people to and from public transit hubs like subway, train and ferry stations as well as congested work areas. It will feature a $4 flat ride rate in NYC and operate routes in Manhattan and Brooklyn, in some cases targeting "transit deserts" and underserved areas where commuters face longer distances and wait times to reach public transportation hubs. (Photo: Ford)

Potential users can download the Chariot app and add themselves and their transport needs to the map. Once there's enough demand, a shuttle route is added and riders can reserve a guaranteed seat in a van. In New York, though, Chariot will offer a "streamlined" crowd-sourced format that displays where routes are currently taking shape, and commuters can join in to help a route develop. (Photo: Ford)

Chariot is taking that quicker crowd-sourcing another step by tapping users' knowledge. They'll be able to suggest potential shuttle routes that aren't on the map and encourage friends and family to sign up for it, according to Ford. (Photo: Ford)

"Our mission at Chariot is to provide reliable, safe and affordable transportation for as many people as possible," stated Chariot CEO Ali Vahabzadeh. "We want to connect people more easily to where they want to go, whether they need help making it to a transit hub or live in an area underserved by public transportation." (Photo: Ford)

Meanwhile, Ford's data and analytics team will "identify potential routes using advanced optimization algorithms" tracking commuter behavior and patterns. The OEM said it will also look to traffic and infrastructure data in crafting routes. (Photo: Ford)

Ford noted that a KPMG study estimated each Chariot van, if fully utilized, can take about 10 other vehicles off the road, a significant subtraction from cities' oversaturated streets. (Photo: Ford)

"We know how important it is for everyone to be able to get around effectively, especially in densely populated places like New York," said Jessica Robinson, director of Ford City Solutions. "Chariot is one way we're trying to help cities accommodate their residents and ensure people aren't sacrificing their needs as a result of limited mobility options." (Photo: Ford)