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SBB launches test version of new mobility app SmartWay

Posted: 18 December 2019 |

The test version of the app, which combines modes of transport, was launched on the 17 December 2019 as an iOS version in the app store and as an Android version in the Google PlayStore.

SBB launches test version of new mobility app SmartWay

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has launched the test version of its new mobility app. The SmartWay app aims to meet rapidly changing mobility requirements in densely populated urban areas in Switzerland. 

Various modes of transport – such as cars, bicycles, trams, buses, trains and e-scooters – can be combined on the SmartWay app. This is said to make transport easier to use and simplifies planning. SBB and its partners hope this will help to foster the modal shift to public transport and the customer-friendly improvement of the occupancy rate.

Test users will reportedly help to further improve the individual features of the new SmartWay test app, which is being developed in cooperation with PostBus and the technology start-up Axon Vibe.

SmartWay is said to learn from users’ travel patterns by constantly showing them all transport options available and relevant connections nearby. In one click, passengers can also view departure tables with current public transport timetable information – combined with connection queries for various mobility providers. The locations and availability of shared mobility, such as e-scooters, car-sharing schemes and bicycles, is also indicated.

The live ticker provides passengers with the latest updates in the event of incidents. All public transport travelcards (GA Travelcard, Half Fare Travelcard, seven25 and regional Travelcards) can also be shown with SmartWay. 

The first end-to-end booking of a sharing provider will be integrated in the next update which is scheduled for January 2020. This will allow users to book and use services with just one account or payment method. This means various apps, logins and payment methods are no longer required.

SBB has announced that further providers will be integrated on an ongoing basis, making further improvements to SmartWay over the coming months. The test app is currently available in German and English while French and Italian versions will also be introduced in future.