Arriva UK partners with HaCon on mobile travel app

Arriva UK Bus has partnered with German transportation software solutions HaCon to launch its mobile travel companion based on HaCon’s journey planner software HAFAS. The new mobile app for iPhones and Android-powered smartphones will provide customers with much greater functionality than before, while the HAFAS vehicle management system Smart VMS will provide the basis for comprehensive up to the minute passenger information.
October 22, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
476 Arriva UK Bus has partnered with German transportation software solutions 5550 HaCon to launch its mobile travel companion based on HaCon’s journey planner software HAFAS.

The new mobile app for iPhones and Android-powered smartphones will provide customers with much greater functionality than before, while the HAFAS vehicle management system Smart VMS will provide the basis for comprehensive up to the minute passenger information.

HAFAS Smart VMS gathers GPS-based real-time data in the buses which can be fed to several channels for passenger information systems, such as the new Arriva Bus app, providing passengers with real time system status information. HaCon claims its software is a cost-efficient, web-based alternative to full-range vehicle management systems, which was recently rewarded by the Association of German Transport Companies for its innovative power.

Mike Woodhouse, marketing manager for Arriva UK Bus, said: “HaCon has been working with Arriva’s parent company Deutsche Bahn in Germany for years and this has allowed us to see the benefits of the system in a real world environment. With HaCon’s experience in delivering success within the industry, we know that our new Mobile Travel Companion will be a hit with customers.”

Stephan Sünderkamp, head of Division HAFAS Internet at HaCon, said: “We are excited to equip more than 4,000 vehicles of the Arriva UK Bus fleet with HAFAS Smart VMS, which will support their new journey planner app for iPhones launched today.”
Networking & Communication Systems

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