The new technology is being introduced to the hvv switch app, which, when installed on customers’ smartphones, automatically tracks their journeys and calculates the best fare.
To use it, passengers simply check in via the app and start their journey – there is no need to select a ticket beforehand. After an initial check-in, all journeys, on all forms of public transport, are automatically captured, across the entire hvv network, which spans three federal states, seven counties and around 25 transport companies.
The innovative technology that makes this possible has been developed and supplied by Scheidt & Bachmann Fare Collection Systems – known as “Check-in/Be-out”, or CIBO for short. This solution can be tailored and delivered to any travel operator in the world.
The aim of the hvv Any project is to simplify the use of public transport and to reduce access barriers by creating a modern and user-friendly service that will run alongside traditional ticketing. The hvv Any functionality will become part of Hamburg’s mobility app, hvv switch, and will be accessible to all passengers at any time and in any place, making the search for the nearest ticket vending machine a thing of the past.
Scheidt & Bachmann’s CIBO solution uses GPS, Motion Detection, Geofencing and an intelligent back-office algorithm to continuously track and process trips in this diverse traffic environment. Core system components of the innovative solution are the Software Development Kit (SDK), for the integration into Hamburger Hochbahn AG's existing app solution, a central back office system, to calculate journeys and fares as well as the delivery and installation of Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons to increase the accuracy of the location detection of the passengers. These beacons, which are cost-effective and simple to install, and have a durable power supply of more than 8 years, ensure the system is able to effectively track passengers’ journeys in a large public transport system with high passenger numbers.
Selected users were able to test the functionality in live operation (Open Beta Test) during the ITS World Congress, which took place from October 11-15. Further tests will take place by the end of the year, and it is the aim of all project partners to make the system accessible to the public in Spring 2022 and to develop it continuously by adding new functions.
Mike Ax, Head of DACH Market at Scheidt & Bachmann Fare Collection Systems:
"We are delighted to play a key role in enabling people in the hvv area, to travel more easily and flexibly in the future than anywhere else in Germany. The experience from past projects, in terms of the different regional requirements, has helped us a lot with the implementation in the hvv area. It is great to see, that we were able to fulfil the needs of the different stakeholders in cooperation with the partner companies of the hvv. We are excited about the achievements so far and look forward to our ongoing collaboration."
Henrik Falk, Chief Executive Officer of HOCHBAHN:
"With hvv Any, we are creating a very crucial service for the app hvv switch, from the customer's point of view. One thing is clear: In case that the app is supposed to become the centrepiece of smart mobility in and around Hamburg, a simple and comfortable ticketing solution is an important part of it."
