Shaping the Mobility Revolution with hvv switch

Patrick Steingässer, Head of Division for Hochbahn Information Management

Challenges

The switch from individual cars to local public transport (LPT) or other shared mobility services has to be as easy as possible. To make this a reality, Hamburger Hochbahn didn't just need an app that made using buses and trains as convenient as possible – they also wanted a platform which deeply integrated different sharing providers, so that passengers can book and pay for them via one app, using one single login. And they wanted to be able to expand it to include smart services like the mobility budget, smart ticketing (check-in/check-out payment model), or displaying available parking spaces.

Hamburger Hochbahn AG needed a platform in which all of its services and the services of third party mobility providers were deeply integrated and bookable using one single app. At the same time, the company wanted to gradually expand the platform, and extend the hvv switch points with smart services such as a mobility budget, hvv Any (a smart ticket system that automatically records the bus and train routes traveled and calculates the cheapest price at the end of the day), or an availability display for parking spaces.

Integrating these different services and technologies was a huge challenge for the project team: dozens of new and outdated IT systems had to be connected with each other, while parking spaces and trains had to be fitted with sensors, or have payment and billing systems integrated. Integrating Google in the map service was another struggle.

Solution

With the hvv switch app, FFW has created a unique digital solution that allows passengers to use different mobility services with just the one login. There's no need to install different apps, create several accounts, or store different payment methods.

Hamburger Hochbahn AG and FFW have managed to integrate two alternative mobility providers already, in addition to Hochbahn's own services: ridesharing provider Moia and carsharing company Sixt Share. "Switch points," carsharing parking spaces, and their availability are also visible in the app. The smartphone app even includes a world first: if you search for a destination in Hamburg using Google Maps, you can then purchase a hvv switch ticket directly. Hochbahn is the very first LPT partner to offer something like this.

And the app still has much to offer: we are working together with the entire hvv switch team on integrating other services, including e-scooters and hire bikes. And the mobility budget and the smart billing model hvv Any mean the next smart services are already in the works.

We've created a service that's fun with its convenient and intuitive usability and user navigation. But that's not all. As an app, hvv switch is also helping citizens and visitors "switch" from their own cars to shared mobility, meaning we're reducing the ecological footprint of Hamburg's residents.

Impact

With the support of FFW, Hamburger Hochbahn succeeded in becoming a flagship mobility project in the shortest possible time. The mobility platform hvv switch is the only LPT initiative project partner in the "National Platform Future of Mobility" and receives federal funds and technical support.