Background
Public transportation systems today have many limitations and problems that make it less attractive for the majority of private car users. Even in a country like Sweden, with well developed public transport systems, people choose their private car for more than 80% of the daily trips resulting in traffic congestions, pollution and accidents. The major issues are:

• The distance from the starting point to the nearest bus/tram stop and from the last stop to the end destination, in most cases by walking with the risk to be exposed for bad weather or even crime.
• Often it is necessary to change to another bus/tram, adding waiting time and weather exposure.
• Sharing a limited space with other passengers reduce the possibility to work or relax and entails exposure to airborne infections.
• Total travel time is typically much longer than by private car, in Sweden the average is 68% longer.
• Children can have problems with using public transport alone, also elderly and people with minor disabilities not qualified for special transportation service, making private car the chosen alternative.

With these obstacles the authorities in cities and regions have real problems to reach their goals for reduced traffic. Now the development of autonomous electric vehicles can revolutionize the public transport systems through substantially lower operating cost, increased passenger safety and a higher customer satisfaction.

The start of CabiBUS.

The idea of shared door-to-door mobility service with minibuses along computer optimized dynamic routes was drafted by Kenneth Palmestål in the early 70s. He proposed the idea, DATATAXI, in objection to the planned PRT on rails in his hometown Gothenburg in Sweden. In 2010, noticing the development of electric and self-driving vehicle technology he modified the ideas and added private cabins that will offer more privacy, comfort and efficiency that will be necessary to attract a large proportion of car commuters.

"I am convinced that the most efficient way to substantially reduce the car traffic on streets and roads, is to offer a safe, secure, comfortable, efficient and economic D2DOD (Door2DoorOnDemand) mobility service, and that it is only possible with shared electric Robotaxis with individual cabins, covering up to 100 km around each city."

Founder background

Kenneth Palmestål is the founder and CEO of CabiBUS Sustainable Mobility AB. Kenneth has a background as IT professional, entrepreneur and inventor.

His first patented solution, IQtherm, entered the market in 1991 and was the first smart digital thermostat programmable with a remote controller. IQtherm saves 15-25 % energy in homes and offices (Popular Science March 1991). IQtherm was awarded first prize in a NUTEK technology procurement 1996 and a Swedish Best in Test in 2002. 

The invention SoundRacer is a fun gadget that, when plugged into the 12V socket in your car, will produce one of several exciting engine sounds (sent to your car stereo via FM transmitter) that follows and matches your engine's RPM in real time. So now everyone can drive a virtual sportscar! The model X comes with 7 professionally recorded engine sounds included: Shelby Mustang V8, Lamborghini V10, Lexus LFA V10, Ferrari V12, Porsche 911 GT3, Harley-Davidson V-Twin and Suzuki GSX, and as a bonus the SAAB SPORT (GranTurismo 850 in USA) two-stroke 850cc engine from 1963 (Kenneths first car). Sold globally since 2009. Loz Blain at Gizmag (now New Atlas) made a great video!

The SoundRacer technology was further developed as a sound system for electric vehicles and is used in electric buses, cars, scooters,  motorcycles, karts, fork lifts and other vehicles. Manufacturers of electric sportscars, buses and trucks are now among the customers for the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, AVAS.    EVSoundSystem.

Studied Human Ecology at University of Gothenburg 1974-1975