MENTZ is Developing an Apple Watch Solution for Convenient Check in to and Check out of Public Transport
Not everyone in NRW need a smartphone and a digital ticket for public transport: passengers can also use their Apple Watch to conveniently check in and out, view connections, and be guided to the right train or bus platform with MENTZ’s new wearable app.
“Our smartwatch app is a white-label solution and has been adapted to work with public transport apps used in North Rhine-Westphalia. When NRW riders use a MENTZ-supported app, they can also use the smartwatch app,” said Robert Guggenmos, a Development Lead at MENTZ. In NRW, smartwatch use in public transport is quite practical because passengers can check in and check out (CiCo) using a system developed by MENTZ. The system calculates fares in the background and caps fares at a specified amount. In practice, passengers are guaranteed to always pay the cheapest fare and do not need to understand the fare system. This CiCo system will also be implemented in Munich, Germany soon.
Development also Planned for Wear OS
MENTZ starting developing a solution for Watch OS first because Apple is the market leader for smartwatches. That said, MENTZ is already planning implementation for other smartwatch operating systems. Wear OS, part of Google’s Android operating system, will follow, thus allowing public transport apps to be used on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel watches for convenient check in on buses and trains.
MENTZ developers are currently busy checking how much previous work can be transferred to other MENTZ apps – like for MENTZ’s innovative Gullivr app, a successful MaaS app that makes using public transport easier and booking more convenient. “Our Gullivr app already has many successful installations. The award-winning white label app can also be found outside Germany in other European countries. Once integrated into wearables or smartwatches, Gullivr will make public transport use even more effective and convenient,” said Guggenmos.