Avis Budget Group has collaborated with ride-share service ViaVan to launch a pilot of its on-demand shared transport service in Milton Keynes.

ViaVan is a joint venture between ride sharing specialist Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Avis Budget Group will provide eight-seater vans for ViaVan’s Milton Keynes launch, as well as a weekly mobile wash and clean service.

Through the ViaVan app, passengers are matched in real time with other riders travelling in the same direction, sharing their trip in a chauffeured van.

“With over 70 years’ experience managing fleets and delivering compelling mobility solutions to customers and businesses, we are excited to announce our partnership with ViaVan as it brings its shared transport service to Milton Keynes.

“Working with like-minded, innovative companies, who help deliver meaningful mobility is in our DNA; our collaboration with ViaVan enables us to partner with another best-in-class provider in the UK for the benefit of customers and businesses,” said Mark Servodidio, president, International Avis Budget Group.

Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan, added: “Avis Budget Group’s ability to help us drive down the cost of fleet vehicle procurement and ongoing operational services enables us to focus on our core mission for this initiative, which is to bring our ground-breaking on-demand shared transportation service to Milton Keynes, providing residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing mobility alternative.”

The expansion of the service into Milton Keynes follows the successful launch of ViaVan in London in April this year, which brought the shared transportation solution to the Capital.