The transport landscape keeps on evolving, and technology has since changed how travellers use public transport. Smartphones have been the centre place of the digital evolution. You can easily spot people booking rides or making cashless payments using mobiles. What’s more, the expansion of Wi-Fi networks makes it possible to transact from different locations, and we can’t disregard the role of smartphones in the industry.
The role that smartphones play:
- Improving passenger flow
The growing use of mobile phones in the transport sector means more valuable information for stakeholders. Nowadays, mass transit systems rely on analytics to manage asset movement through real-time data. Stakeholders can now better manage their assets to allow for improved passenger flow and improved services.
- Simplified payments & ticketing
Smartphones have revolutionized ticketing in the transport sector. You can now combine the selection and authentication process with a single device. This speeds up the payment process and improves customer satisfaction.
As a customer, you can use your smartphone to make contactless payments. For instance, you can link your debit or credit card to your mobile and pay for transportation services with a single tap on the contactless card reader. And the best bit? You don’t need to move with the card.
Examples of contactless payments in the transport sector include;
- Mobile wallets – You can now store your cash in your mobile wallet and use it to pay for transport services. You can access the money using applications or wearables like smartwatches. With Mobile wallets, you tap your phone or scan a QR code to make online payments.
- Tap and Go – Tap and Go allows you to pay by waving your card over the POS system.
- Formation of community systems & Improved passenger relations
Nowadays, most passengers use their phones to connect with others on social media. This has brought about the emergence of sharing communities during daily trips. Most passengers seek information from social media and seek reviews on a mode of transport or transport company. As well as improving passenger relations and making passengers the source of travel information, it has multiple benefits. Moreover, sharing systems are now common and are replacing ownership systems.
- The emergence of smart infrastructure
The use of smartphones in the industry has led to connected transportation networks. This is a potent tool when it comes to analytics and traffic management. The data also help in incident response and planner use it to optimize their network performance. This helps improve services, customer relations and offer better services.
- Promoting worker safety
The use of smartphone technology allows drivers to get updated information on road conditions. It’s now easy to know of any incidents and accidents on the road, which helps drivers to optimize transport routes. This ensures worker safety and saves fuel. It enhances communication on the road and avoids unnecessary calls to report their position on the road, which improves safety and helps minimize the risk of accidents.
Final thoughts
Smartphones play a crucial role in the transport sector. They encourage the growth of traveller communities, leading to better sharing of information. Also, you can use them to make payments securely and avoid inputting pins or signing receipts and carrying travel tickets.
