MOVIRO has officially launched the TransitOrchestrator project — a cutting-edge research initiative to develop a routing and dispatching platform that seamlessly integrates on-demand mobility into existing fixed-route public transit networks. The project is supported by nearly €150,000 in funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) through its innovation initiative mFUND.
Seamless Transfers Through Smart Integration
The goal of Transit Orchestrator is to enable smooth, reliable intermodal travel chains by intelligently combining fixed-route services with on-demand options such as ridepooling. The platform will use real-time data and advanced optimization algorithms to dynamically adjust trips and ensure dependable transfers between modes.
Strong Research and Industry Partnerships
MOVIRO is developing the TransitOrchestrator platform in collaboration with the municipal transit operator Stadtwerke München (SWM) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
Marina Eicke from SWM explains the motivation behind the project:
“As a transport company, we want to offer our passengers seamless journeys combining fixed-route and on-demand services. For passengers to rely on their connections, it is necessary that the on-demand fleet reacts to current events in the fixed-route network. We hope that the Transit Orchestrator will make this possible through its novel approach to integrating fixed-route and on-demand transport.”
Professor Dr. Andreas Wiese, Chair of Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorial Optimization at TUM, emphasized the project’s academic potential:
“This project links two research areas that have traditionally been studied separately: routing in public transport and coordination of on-demand fleets. It’s scientifically exciting to bring these together in a practical, real-world algorithm.”
Backed by the mFUND Innovation Program
The project is being funded with €147,732 over a period of 12 months through the BMDV’s mFUND program, which supports data-driven innovation in mobility.
Daniela Kluckert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the BMDV, explains the ministry’s commitment:
“Digitalization gives us new tools to shape tomorrow’s mobility to be more efficient, climate-friendly, and inclusive. Data is key to optimizing and connecting different transport modes. By supporting innovative projects like Transit Orchestrator, we foster the development of smart systems that make public transit more flexible and attractive. This is how we harness digitalization to manage growing traffic and improve urban quality of life.”
About mFUND
Launched in 2016, the mFUND program by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport promotes research and development projects that drive digital innovation in mobility. The funding is complemented by networking opportunities among stakeholders in politics, industry, government, and research, as well as access to open data via the Mobilithek platform. Learn more at www.mfund.de.