KAROS – Integration of a dynamic and predictive short distance carpooling offer into route planner services

Project Information

KAROS

Grant agreement ID: 744972

DOI

10.3030/744972

Project closed

EC signature date 6 December 2016

Start date 1 January 2017

End date 30 June 2017

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

KAROS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - KAROS (KAROS – Integration of a dynamic and predictive short distance carpooling offer into route planner services)

Reporting period: 2017-01-01 to 2017-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Karos develops and commercializes AI-based sustainable mobility systems for local authorities and corporations in order to fix commuting, which is most usually inefficient, lengthy and polluting in suburban areas. Karos leverages mobile and machine learning technologies to adapt carpooling to the specific constraints of short-distance trips and (ii) optimizes door-to-door commuting routes, offering the best options to reach destination mixing carpooling lines and mass transit lines. Therefore, Karos offers a new, efficient public transportation system, which translates into better public service for citizens, better use of resources, less impact on the environment.
The objective of Karos – Integration of a dynamic and predictive short distance carpooling offer into route planner services (Grant Agreement number: 744972), was to prove technical and commercial viability, conducting an analytical exercise to position the product. As such, its dimension was twofold: (i) test the economic viability of the platform among a larger pool of potential clients (user-acceptance), and (ii) to assess if the chosen commercialization approach will be conducive of the projected growth.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the project, the KAROS team has: (i) developed a technology and a service in close cooperation with users (understanding their specific needs), which has shown exponential usage and strong user satisfaction; (ii) developed and successfully commercialized a full SaaS & consulting service dedicated to companies willing to improve their employees’ daily commutes; and (iii) started to develop a customized offer for local authorities willing to provide citizens with better mobility options in low density areas.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

With more than 40.000 carpool trips recorded and 12 client sites signed in only 6 months, the outcomes of the project are largely validated, demonstrating (i) the business concept, (ii) the strong interest and satisfaction of both clients and users for the service, and (iii) the commercialization plan.
The carpool activity produced has had a direct impact on the citizens’ quality of life: 251 days of commuting time gained, 49 tons of CO2 emission reduction, 10.8kg of PM2.5 microparticles eliminated and 244 low density towns reconnected to the mass transit system.
As such, the project proved to be very successful and instrumental in consolidating Karos’ business plan – and hence will be sustained.

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