Presentation by Martin Hovekamp (Mitfahrverband e.V.)
Mitfahren-BW is an open-source ride-sharing portal launched by the Ministry of Transport of Baden-Württemberg. Built on OpenTripPlanner and using open data from NVBW MobiDataBW, it consolidates all state-wide ride-sharing offers via an Amarillo instance. Data are provided in open standard formats GTFS and GTFS-RT with minute-level updates, enabling real-time integration into the Landesportal and other local city navigation systems.
At the technical center of this ecosystem lies Amarillo, an AGPL-3.0 licensed middleware that acts as a central data aggregator and normalizer. Amarillo collects ride offers from a variety of independent platforms—such as fahrgemeinschaft.de, fahrmob, and RideBee—and transforms them into standardized GTFS and GTFS-RT feeds, which are the exact same data formats used by public transit systems. By adopting these open standards and adhering strictly to the “Public Money, Public Code” philosophy, Amarillo enables regional journey planners, including OpenTripPlanner and transit apps like VPE mobi or Munich’s MVV, to display private carpool options right alongside bus and train schedules for seamless intermodal travel.
Beyond software integration, Mitfahrverband e.V. promotes a holistic approach that bridges physical and digital infrastructure. This includes establishing physical pickup locations such as Mitfahr-Haltepunkte and Park and Pool lots, while also paving the way for in-car software like the “Carpool Button” that allows drivers to safely manage ride requests directly via their vehicle’s infotainment system. Ultimately, Mitfahren-BW creates a connected, accessible, and scalable mobility network that links today’s human-driven commutes with tomorrow’s autonomous shared transportation.
