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Pithiviers and Hubup : From the implementation of an urban shuttle to the use of Geolite
Since February 2021, our Geolite SAEIV system has been deployed in the city of Pithiviers on a single urban shuttle. We would like to thank François Quero for answering our questions.
Could you introduce yourself ?
I am François Quero, responsible for coordinating municipal projects for the city of Pithiviers, in the Loiret department. Located just an hour from Paris, we are a small sub-prefecture with just under 10,000 residents. Pithiviers also serves as the central town for a wider area of around 60,000 inhabitants spread across some sixty municipalities. Even though we are a relatively small local authority in terms of population, we carry the responsibilities of a central municipality, supporting a significant population base and a large number of surrounding communes.
Do you have mobility expertise for this area?
Mobility is a regional responsibility and, in our case, it is delegated to the community of municipalities. That is why the shuttle is only an urban shuttle and not an intercity one, even though some Pithiviers residents have asked for it, in particular to serve the shopping areas located in two neighbouring municipalities, 500 metres from the nearest stops. However, we are not allowed to operate beyond the boundaries of the municipality.
Regarding the shuttle’s implementation, was it requested by Pithiviers residents or initiated by the municipality ?
Since 2016, Pithiviers had a first nine-seat shuttle connecting residential neighborhoods to the city center, shops, and public services, to facilitate travel for residents without a vehicle. Quickly becoming overcrowded and unsuitable for people with reduced mobility, the service was redesigned. The municipality developed a larger, better-serviced, and fully accessible offer, continuing a commitment made during the 2014–2020 term.
What is your current offer ?
We now have a 24 seat vehicle equipped with a manually deployable ramp for people with reduced mobility.
Do you plan to increase capacity ?
For the moment, no service expansion is planned, as demand remains moderate and the system is not saturated, except for potential peri-urban connections. Fully funded by the municipal budget, the service already requires a full-time position and an additional part-time driver to maintain continuity, representing a significant responsibility for the local authority.
And for you, what are the steps to implement a shuttle service in a municipality like this ?
First comes the need. Our municipality is structured around a city center with peripheral neighborhoods that developed after the war, including working class areas with residents who lack personal transportation and are therefore somewhat isolated. We must primarily address two factors: the needs expressed by the population and the political will, as well as the financial, technical, and human capacity of the municipality to manage and establish the service.
How did you come to know Hubup and our Geolite SAEIV system ?
It coincided with the municipality’s initiative to enhance digital tools and networks, aiming to provide reliable and seamless services through a website or mobile app. I suggested to the elected officials that users have a tool to track the shuttle, helping to reduce waiting times and improve satisfaction. It was also intended to encourage residents to engage more with the municipality’s communication and information channels.
So you had passenger information objectives ?
Absolutely. Additionally, analyzing the service has been useful for monitoring shuttle activity, particularly in response to user feedback regarding punctuality.
How did the implementation of the tool go within the municipality ?
The rollout was smooth and straightforward, requiring no specific skills or significant time investment. Training, onboarding, and follow-up all went seamlessly.
Do you find the tool intuitive enough ?
For users, the service is very easy to use. Just a few clicks are enough to access the information they need, with no digital skills required. Drivers also find it simple and hassle-free.
In your view, what are the key success factors for setting up a transport service in a municipality ?
Success starts with identifying areas where residents lack mobility options. It then relies on defining suitable destinations, frequency, and schedules.
The City Bus is your urban shuttle. Why not consider a peri-urban service ?
The shuttle only serves Pithiviers due to regulatory constraints, as peri-urban transport falls under the responsibility of the intercommunal authority. Discussions are underway within the community of municipalities about an on-demand transport service. This could eventually be connected to the City Bus and to routes serving the main cities of Loiret, especially given that the absence of a train station makes travel more challenging.
