Passenger transport firm Arriva has partnered with Mobility-as-a-Servive (MaaS) solutions provider Moovit to launch a mobile app, which enables people to plan and ride with any public transport operator, shared transport or micromobility provider for the first time.
Glimble will be launched across the Netherlands where previously paying for public transport required riders to own the ov-chipkaart contactless cards. Drivers were not allowed to accept cash payments on buses for paper tickets or from riders waiting to top-up their ov-chipkaart.
In addition, after boarding the bus, some riders discovered that they did not have enough credits left and had to deboard, walk to a machine to top up their ov-chipkaart, and wait for the next bus.
Glimble users can now use mobile payment for all public and shared transport countrywide. It also provides real-time arrival information, a live directions feature with ‘get off’ alerts to provide step-by-step guidance for the entire journey, and service alerts so they can avoid disruptions on usual lines.
According to the partnership, the MaaS app reduces the friction of paying for transport. Glimble users are able to validate rides with a single tap and scan of a QR code, as opposed to having to buy and top up a contactless card in advance, and fear losing or forgetting it.
Additionally, users can book, pay and unlock micromobility rides with operators such as Arriva B&G, Hopperpoint, and Urbee straight from the app, with more micromobility options to be added soon.
“In a world where everyone is constantly on the move, where connectivity and accessibility are essential, you have to be flexible and nimble,” said Anne Hettinga, managing director of Arriva Nederland.
“So, in line with our aim to become the leading mobility supplier, we created Glimble by Arriva — an app that offers all mobility solutions and allows you to tailor them to your personal preferences.”
Tapping into Moovit’s technology, Glimble combines official information from all Dutch transport agencies, as well as crowdsourced information to calculate the best route for each journey with urban mobility options like bus, rail, tram, underground, ferry, taxi, Uber, carsharing, scooters, and bikes. Users have the ability to sort Glimble’s suggested routes via cost of the journey or by the total level of CO2.
Glimble also incorporates accessibility features, the app is optimised with screen reading features for low vision users, including talkback/voiceover capabilities, identifies wheelchair-accessible routes and stations, and calculates step-free routes. Glimble is also designed with optimised menus and buttons for those with hand-motor disabilities.
“From our vast global experience, we know that making transport journeys more convenient, accessible and frictionless increases rider satisfaction and ultimately their loyal ridership,” said Nir Erez, CEO of Moovit.
“This is the second time we are able to launch Mobility as a Service on a national scale, and we are honoured to work with Arriva on providing Dutch citizens with everything they need to get around more conveniently.”
