To mark the unveiling of Reims' new tram system, Veolia Transdev, a global benchmark in passenger transport, and Buongiorno !Digital, Europe's leading independent interactive mobile marketing agency, are announcing the launch of the new version of MOBITrans®, the mobile Internet platform for real-time transport information. So far, it has been deployed in 5 French cities: Nantes, Montpellier, Orléans, Grenoble and Reims.
The new version of MOBITrans® fits into the innovation dynamic being deployed by Veolia Transdev in the digital and mobile technology field in order to ensure transport's evolution towards a new generation of intelligent systems.
At the cutting edge of innovation in terms of its ergonomics, flexibility of use and range of functions, the MOBITrans® platform offers transport users a raft of personalised services, accessible from all mobiles and smartphones with Internet access.
The new MOBITrans® platform exploits the unrivalled experience of Veolia Transdev with the first version of MOBITrans®, introduced in Nantes in 2003, and the know-how of Buongiorno !Digital in the design and implementation of interactive mobile-based applications. Buongiorno !Digital is responsible for the creation, management and deployment of the new MOBITrans® platform across the Veolia Transdev networks.
Free of charge for users (excluding any call costs), the new service is compatible with any mobile phone equipped with Internet access, from older mobiles to the very latest smartphones, and boasts ergonomics suited to each without any downloads being required.
MOBITrans® allows users to manage their transport times more efficiently by providing real-time information on the public transport network (waiting times and traffic information). Each user also benefits from connected services such as the saving of their favourite stops, which they can access from their computer using the Widget version of the platform.
After Nantes, Montpellier, Orléans and Grenoble, the new Reims platform is been tested in the city since 23 may 2011, following the unveiling of the tram system and the restructured Bus - Tram network. The tests continue on the summer bus schedules basis and the platform will be operational on the Bus - Tram CITURA at the beginning of September 2011. Now covering over 4,500 public bus or tram stops within France, this latest version of MOBITrans® offers fully reworked and especially user-friendly ergonomics, which each transport network can personalise and present to suit its own visual identity.
With a total of 25,000 to 30,000 visits per month since January 2011, the service has got off to a promising start that confirms its relevance.
The MOBItrans® platform constitutes a rich complement to the passenger information solutions which Veolia Transdev is developing for its customers. It fits into the innovation dynamic deployed on the Veolia Transdev group's other networks such as Lignes d'Azur in Nice or TRA in Seine Saint-Denis.
Dominique Gauthier, Director France Veolia Transdev
"This new version of the MOBITrans® information service takes the mobile Internet technology curve into account and offers a service suited equally to new-generation smartphones and to older mobiles. We are already working on the integration of new services, as public transport needs to fully embrace the information technology era. This is one of the priorities for the Veolia Transdev group."
Omar Fadil, General Manager Buongiorno !Digital France & Germany
"The new MOBITrans® platform brings users an innovative service that's useful on a daily basis. It is a precursor to future developments of contactless mobile platforms in which Buongiorno !Digital has a role to play and expertise to contribute."
An innovative concept
MOBITrans® offers real-time mobile Internet information, based on a pooled concept and standardised interfaces permitting its installation on any network equipped with a time-based global positioning system meeting these standards.
Usage principle
The user can primarily access two types of "real-time" information: waiting times and information on disruptions to traffic on the lines which they have selected, as well as searching for nearby stops, saved favourite stops, etc...
Waiting times
For the stop and line of their choice, MOBITrans® gives users the waiting times for the next two buses or trams, for each destination and in real time. The user can search for a stop by name, by the street they are on, or even by the number of a line. Available soon, the use of mobile GPS is enable the closest stops to be indicated automatically without having to enter the address manually.
Personalisation
The user can add specific stops to the "Favourites" section, thereby permitting rapid access to personalised information.
Smartphone adaptation, widget
MOBITrans® offers totally reworked ergonomics tailored to the graphics standards of each network, including iPhone-specific graphics that make it especially easy to use. New consultation methods are also available, such as the widget.
Ease of access
A shared portal, www.mobitrans.fr, allows the user to access the service for their city. They can then add the website to their favourites. Each transport network also provides a simple and direct web address for connection.
