On-demand transport (ODT) is a valuable solution for supplementing bus networks, particularly in areas or at times with limited service. However, many ODT services suffer from a lack of visibility: passengers are often unaware they exist or do not see them when searching for routes. How can you make ODT more visible and widely used without adding vehicles or extending operating hours? The answer lies in one concept: intelligently integrating ODT into passenger information through an integrated mobility platform. This is precisely the promise of Cintalia the MaaS platform developed by Cityway and its TAD Boosterfeature, an essential component of the solution.

How to integrate On-Demand Transport into a multimodal route planner  

A route planner is one of the most used features on mobility websites and apps. It allows a traveler to enter an origin, a destination, and a departure date/time to instantly get the most suitable route(s) for their needs. The system then analyzes all available options (bus lines, trains, trams, bikes, etc.) to suggest the best possible combinations.

The TAD Booster feature integrates directly into this process: it allows ODT to be added as a visible route option, just like regular lines. But this integration is neither automatic nor systematic: it is intelligent.
In practical terms, ODT is displayed when it provides real added value to the journey. This can be:

- because there is no regular line covering the requested route;

- or, if one or more regular lines exist, but the ODT is significantly faster or more convenient, the system can prioritize it.

For example, if an ODT trip connects point A to point B in 15 minutes, while two regular lines require a transfer and 35 minutes of travel time, the ODT will be suggested first. In this case, it does not compete directly but optimizes the service provided to the traveler. The system can also suggest the alternatives (regular lines) below it, with full transparency.

This approach promotes ODT as a fully multimodal solution, capable of being part of a complete journey or replacing a line only when it makes sense for the traveler.

With Cintalia, DRT booking is integrated directly into the routes available to travelers. Instead of redirecting to a phone call or a separate platform (as was often the case in the past), the route planner includes DRT in the search results and allows booking in just a few clicks. Travelers enjoy a unified experience: they find their bus + DRT or 100% DRT journey in the same place as other routes and can book their on-demand transport immediately.

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Optimizing DRT usage without increasing supply  

By making DRT visible at the right time, the mobility offering appears enhanced without changing the existing service. More routes are offered to travelers, covering more needs, even though you haven't added a line or extended hours. The network "expands" virtually, thanks to the flexibility of intelligently highlighted DRT.

Case studies: how networks have boosted their DRT with an integrated mobility platform  

More and more networks are adopting this approach:

MAT Network (Saint-Malo, France) – Since the network redesign in September 2024, Saint-Malo Agglomération has made the bold choice to rely heavily on DRT. By deploying Cintalia, DRT booking was integrated into the routes and schedules available on the network's website and app. The result: a sharp increase in online bookings and very rapid adoption of the service by travelers. DRT, once discreet, has become one of the pillars of mobility in Saint-Malo.

Vecto Network (Victoriaville, Quebec) – This Canadian city modernized its offering via the Cityway platform by launching Vecto. Based on Cintalia, the integrated solution launched in 2025 allows for real-time DRT booking and route planning. The result is an on-demand service that is more visible, seamless, and connected to the rest of the region's transport offering, with no disruption for the traveler.

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Transcollines Network (MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, Quebec) – In a rural setting, the challenge was to coordinate all modes (intercity lines, school routes, and DRT) to offer seamless mobility to the territory's 56,000 residents. Thanks to the integrated platform provided by Cityway, Transcollines was able to enrich its DRT offering and combine it with other services: a unified mobile application offers both on-demand transport booking and intermodal trip planning. This integration improves service coverage and the perceived reliability of the network, without increasing the number of vehicles in circulation.

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The benefits of well-integrated DRT for operators and travelers  

Why adopt a "DRT Booster" via an integrated mobility platform like Cintalia? The advantages are numerous, for both the operator and the traveler, all without technical complexity or the need to increase operating costs: ‍

- Increased visibility of the offering : Your on-demand service becomes visible in standard route searches. It appears to the traveler exactly where they need it, which unlocks previously unimagined travel possibilities. This direct integration automatically increases the presence of DRT in theofficial passenger information for the network. ‍

- Increased ridership : By being more visible and easier to access, DRT attracts more passengers. Saint-Malo is a striking example, with an explosion in online bookings as soon as the system was implemented. More visibility means more users – it’s as simple as that. ‍

- Improved network coverage and appeal : DRT fills the "gaps" in the schedule or serves areas that were previously unreachable. By integrating it, your perceived territorial coverage expands without adding new lines. Travelers find mobility solutions where the standard network previously reached its limits. In Quebec, Transcollines demonstrated that such coordination of services significantly improves how well the service meets user needs. ‍

- Strengthened intermodality : A journey that combines bus, DRT, bike-sharing, or carpooling becomes possible in a single search. The integrated mobility platform allows you to mix all modes of transport to offer the optimal route. DRT fits naturally into the travel chain, for example, to reach a main line from an isolated area, thereby encouraging the use of public transport over private cars. ‍

- Simplicity and passenger satisfaction : In terms of user experience, it’s night and day. With Cintalia, travelers benefit from a single account and a unified interface to plan, book, and pay for all their trips, including DRT. No more scattered processes: everything is done in one place, from an app or a web portal branded to your network. This ease of use removes psychological barriers and encourages more people to try DRT.

In short, integrating DRT into yourpassenger information tools (websites, apps, kiosks, journey planners, etc.) via an integrated mobility platform like Cintalia means increasing the value of your offering without increasing your costs. The TAD Booster is the technological building block that brings this vision to life: more routes offered, more bookings, and higher satisfaction, all while making the most of your current resources.

Cintalia, the integrated mobility platform developed by Cityway  

Cintalia is Cityway's integrated mobility platform. Made in France and the result of 25 years of expertise, Cityway designed Cintalia to bring all mobility services together into a single, modern, and scalable interface. The TAD Booster feature is therefore built on a robust foundation already deployed across numerous regions. From Transdev in France to municipalities in Canada, many operators trust us to optimize their demand-responsive transport services, from booking to management.

Cintalia notably includes the Cintalia Reservations module dedicated to DRT, which offers a intelligent trip dispatching, automated booking management, and streamlined online payment. This comprehensive solution allows you to manage and optimize your DRT with ease, while seamlessly integrating it with your regular routes. By choosing an integrated platform, you are opting for a win-win approach: you improve the performance of your network and provide a better experience for your users, without disrupting your organization.

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Looking to boost your DRT? Contact the Cityway experts  

The DRT Booster from Cityway is an accessible and effective tool for increasing the visibility and ridership of your demand-responsive transport services. If you would like to learn more about how it works or discover how Cintalia could be adapted to your network, our experts are here to help. The Cityway team can answer your questions, provide advice, and even organize a personalized demonstration.

Don't wait any longer to virtually enhance your transport offering: contact us today to speak with a Cityway expert or visit our website to discover our solutions. Boost your DRT and facilitate mobility in your region with Cintalia, the integrated mobility platform for passenger information, transport booking and simplified intermodality. Together, let’s make on-demand transport a habit for your passengers!