Dive Brief:
- A patent application filed by Amazon last year describes a plan to deliver packages using public transit such as buses and subways.
- Amazon has experimented with delivery via drone, cabs, crowdsourcing, and Amazon Lockers—storage units placed in locations such as 7-11 stores and parking garages.
- The system might work like an Amazon Locker installed on a public bus or train, allowing customers to take delivery of their packages en route.
Dive Insight:
Amazon seems to be investigating every available avenue for package delivery, including crowdsourcing, bike messenger, Amazon Lockers, drones and now, public transportation. The latest strategy, part of a patent application made last year, would press public buses, trains and subways into service to bring added convenience to package delivery.
Similar to an Amazon Locker, the system would designate a bus or train as a pickup point, sending an SMS to alert people to its expected arrival time. Customers could then take delivery of their packages while traveling to a destination or at a specified stop. The option could help Amazon make deliveries to rural areas that are difficult and expensive to reach.
