Daimler’s Moovel Launches Microtransit Service in L.A.

Daimler AG’s Moovel Group GmbH is expanding its microtransit, ride-sharing service, which was launched in June in Stuttgart, to the U.S.

The service initially will be available in Los Angeles in partnership with local transportation and government agencies to complement the area’s existing public transit network. Dubbed FlexLA, the service will transport riders in city-owned Mercedes-Benz Metris passenger vans and GLC hybrid crossover vehicles to and from dozens of stops in downtown Los Angeles during non-peak evening hours (7 p.m. to 2 a.m.).

Users can schedule and pay for rides via a smartphone app, which automatically coordinates the logistics of multiple passengers and routes. The vehicles will be driven by U.S. military veterans, who will be paid an hourly salary and benefits.

Riders are charged a flat rate of $6 per trip, which will be discounted during an initial pilot phase. Low-income residents will pay $2 per trip. The app will be available in Spanish and English. Specially equipped vehicles will be available to serve riders with wheelchairs and other mobility challenges.