Uber has acquired American public transport software developer Routematch. The company provides software to more than 500 transit agency partners in urban, suburban, and rural communities worldwide.

Founded over 20 years ago, Routematch has supplied to software to both large and small public transport organisation, both in the United States and worldwide.

Uber hopes that the acquisition will create synergies between its on-demand, mobility technologies and Routematch’s paratransit, payments, fixed-route tools, and trip planning services.  The company believes the acquistion will allow it to create new technologies to make it easier for public transport agencies to provide improved transportation solutions for passengers through an expanded suite of technologies.

“Public transportation will always be a vital artery that connects people to their cities and towns,” said Pepper Harward, chief executive of Routematch. “But as many have told us, there are many challenges that simply did not exist when fixed route services and systems were created decades ago. We believe that inclusive transportation software can help transit agencies deliver more value for riders, businesses, and communities.”

“We are extremely excited to bring together ideas, products, and insights from our team’s collective expertise,” said David Reich, head of Uber Transit. “As allies of public transit, we look forward to finding new ways our technologies can improve transit riders’ end-to-end experiences, and expand accessibility even further for those who need it.”