Austria-wide, the HAFAS Information Manager HIM is a central platform used for the communication of disruptions in the networks of the ARGE ÖVV members. HIM ensures that passengers in Austria receive correct information about current deviations from the timetable at all times. The system works based on rules and generates routing-relevant data for the information systems.

 "Since numerous users plan their journeys with our trip planners, we have to meet a large number of individual requirements. With its new message types, HIM 3.0 enables us to fulfill the passengers’ wishes," says Thomas Eichinger, disruption management manager at ARGE ÖVV.

Faster and Improved Passenger Communication

With the new version, customers receive a truly renewed user experience: The HIM 3.0 features an improved design and performance, shorter load times as well as a responsive layout. Predefined scenarios are supported with easy to use templates. This enables ARGE ÖVV to react to events quickly and with assured quality. The rule-based processing of disruptions increases efficiency particularly well.

"The module for the assessment of impacts proves to be an extremely convenient and fast way to provide disruption messages exactly where they are needed. The new dashboard facilitates the communication between users in case of special events, "says Thomas Eichinger. In addition, the clarity of the system’s structure has been improved significantly.

Updates can now be Implemented even easier

The users of ARGE ÖVV are very happy with the new HIM, reports Eichinger. But, there is still room for innovation.  "New requirements we would like to implement in future versions have already popped up,” he says. With the upgrade to HIM 3.0, ARGE ÖVV can aquire  enhancements, new features and future upgrades  quicker and easier than before. This is an important prerequisite for being able to react promptly to market requirements.

HaCon regularly introduces new modules that complement the HIM 3.0. For example , the new Status Cockpit clearly shows whether messages are known in all information systems. This  feature visualizes where synchronization may be disturbed and thus creates the basis for quick error diagnosis and correction.

Tram, taxi, e-bike or car sharing – as the number of mobility offers grows, passengers have more choices when traveling within the city of Zurich. The new trip planning app will help them find the most efficient way and mode of transportation to bring them from their current location to their final destination. In addition to public transport, bike and pedestrian routing, various sharing providers will also be integrated into the comprehensive trip planning app that is planned to launch sometime during the summer of 2020.

The Multimodal Routing App is a First Big Step towards making Zurich a Smart City

In order to offer passengers the ideal route for their trip, all third-party providers will be able to gain access to the mobility platform on a non-discriminatory basis. The trip planner is supposed to be independent of the mobility operators’ individual business models; such is the wish of Zurich Public Transport (VBZ), the Traffic Department and the Civil Engineering Department of the City of Zurich, who will develop the multimodal routing platform together with HaCon. HaCon supports this vendor-neutral approach through a highly intelligent intermodal routing logic, open interfaces and a stable long-term system operation.

"The app will support Zurich on its way towards becoming a Smart City. It will help users to organize their trips ecologically, economically and practically in unison with the city’s infrastructure. Travelers can use the existing means of transport individually for their travel planning," says Dr. Susanne Grün, project manager of the Zurich Transport Authority.