Slide, the shared commuting service that launched in Bristol in July, is adding more vehicles to its fleet from Monday in a move that will double the number on the road.
It is the third stage of growth for Slide, which is operated by RATP Dev UK, part of the large French-owned urban transport group. 
It expanded its service area in September in response to demand and then added two additional vehicles in November.
There will now be 16 minivans operating in Bristol and its suburbs, taking commuters who book a ride to work, or giving them a ride home using the Slide app.
Slide’s vehicles have built in wi-fi, air conditioning/heating, real-time journey updates and drivers who pride themselves on having their passengers leave with a smile.
Slide believes this year it will become a significant alternative for commuters in a city known for its slow-moving peak time traffic and regular snarl-ups.
Some 40% of commuters in and out of Bristol travel by car, according to an online survey carried out by Slide Bristol during the first week of October.
The Slide network now includes Westbury-on-Trym in West Bristol, Fishponds and Frenchay in East Bristol, and Bedminster and Southville in South Bristol. Further new routes are being added, based on areas of demand.
The service allows Bristol commuters to book their ride to and from work using an app. They can arrange a ride in a Slide vehicle in advance or just minutes before the journey they wish to make.
Behind the scenes, the technology then calculates the optimal route to the passenger’s destination based on others requesting a similar journey.
Unlike traditional bus routes, Slide routes are created organically, according to user demand. Passengers will be given a pick-up point a short walk from their starting point and a pick-up time.
Up to eight passengers can travel in a Slide vehicle - all of which have wi-fi and air conditioning – and they will be provided with real time updates on the app along the way.
The cost of a Slide is on average half that of a taxi and just a little more than a bus fare. A single from Filton to the city centre is £7, with shorter distances such as Temple Meads to Clifton £4. The company was this month recognised by TravelWest in its sustainable travel awards.
Regular customer Richard said: “Without Slide I would be using the bus or train to get into work, neither of which is a very attractive option because they’re either slow or, in the case of the train, drop me off about a mile from my office.
“With Slide it’s more or less door to door, so it’s streets ahead of public transport. Plus, I like the fact that you pay by card so there’s no fiddling around with cash and the app keeps you up-to-date with your departure/arrival times.”
RATP Dev UK business development director Coralie Triadou added: “We are really pleased with the welcome that Slide has received in Bristol and of the fantastic passenger reviews, it means we are now able to add more Slide vehicles to better serve Bristolians.”
Slide operates Monday to Friday from 6:30am until 10am and 4pm until 7:30pm.
It can be booked by downloading the Slide Bristol app, for more information visit http://www.slidebristol.com
