Booking App powered by HaCon

Involved in the project from its very start, HaCon developed the app as well as the back-office system that enabled passengers to book their trip with “HUBI” during the testing phase.

The app displays the actual location of the autonomously driving bus. Additionally, it enables passengers to book their seats for their trip with “HUBI”. The operator can manage reservations via the component “SeatBlocker” of the HAFAS Smart VMS, HaCon’s smart vehicle management system. It transfers the reservation information to the so called “steward” who currently still needs to be on board the vehicle.

HubChain shows how digital platforms can enable the smart combination of traditional public transport with on-demand feeder and fetcher busses. The innovative approach of integrating an autonomously driving vehicle in the testing convinced the experts in the jury to select the project as award winner.

Successful test run in public street area

The realization of HubChain started in 2018 and was carried out in three stages: First of all, the vehicle technology was tested on the premises of the municipal services of Osnabrück. In the second phase, “HUBI” carried out its first test drives in public with bookings powered by the HaCon app. The third part of the testing was planned to begin in Bad Essen, a district of Osnabrück, in May 2020. Due to Corona, it had to be postponed. The project partners work intensively on solutions to start the final testing.

Background Information: Hub Chain

The project consortium of HubChain is composed of the following partners: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Transportation Systems (DLR), Dornier Consulting International GmbH (Dornier); HaCon Ingenieurgesellschaft mbh (HaCon); Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility (IKEM), Kompetenzzentrum ländliche Mobilität, an institute of the Forschungs-GmbH Wismar (KOMOB); Stadtwerke Osnabrück AG. Find more information about the project on www.hubchain.de.

We are actively monitoring the developments and will continue to adapt our structures for support based on the situation and prognosis of the various locations. These measures are based on the local and global health official recommendations and supported by a Siemens Task Force.

To minimize the risk of community spread, almost our complete staff works from home. Futhermore, we have eliminated nearly all business trips and reduced social contacts to the absolute minimum. HaCon fully supports remote workplaces and home office. Internal and external communication is secured by the use of several different channels. Virtual team and management meetings take place on a daily basis and ensure a close communication.

We have processes in place to support your operations with prompt and pragmatic responses. Our commitment to your projects is ongoing. At the same time, we are committed to work on new ideas and projects. To mention one advantage, our various virtual tools for communication make it easy to have online meetings on short notice and to include our experts in a conversation. Please reach out to your designated point of contact any time at your convenience.

Further actions taken include:

• - Nearly all of our staff is working from home
• - Close communication with all parties involved
• - High standard of office hygiene for the small number of employees still working in the office
• - Installation of an intranet page with up-to-date information regarding COVID-19
• - Avoiding business trips which can be replaced by video conferences or can be moved to a later date
• - Cancellation of all participation in exhibitions
• - Cancellation of all external education events
• - Quarantine process for employees returning from risk areas

The transport industry is doing a terrific job in providing mobility to the public in these difficult times. We are grateful for your service and proud to be part of this community.

Please stay safe and healthy. Together we continue to work on safe and sustainable mobility solutions.