Media release
London, UK – 05 May 2020: Mobility as a Service (MaaS) tech-enabler SkedGo is launching a new feature that enables passengers to assess crowding levels before they travel, supporting transport journey planning during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
The feature allows passengers to choose quieter routes and carriages, or switch to alternative forms of transport to maintain social distancing, such as cycling or e-scooters. The occupancy feature has been trialled using open source data from Transport for New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and can be rolled out worldwide, depending on data availability.
App developers and local transport authorities will also be able share government COVID-19 health alerts through SkedGo’s TripGo API (Application Programming Interface) or SDK (Software Development Kit) tools.
John Nuutinen, CEO, SkedGo, says: “Transport use is at a record low and recent research has found that 61% of passengers will feel wary using public transport after COVID-19 lockdown measures are lifted.* We truly believe technology can be a force for good, providing information to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and protect the safety of all transport users today and tomorrow.
“The features we have built into our API, SDK and white label integrations enable passengers to be more informed and confident in their decision-making, using data to prioritise routes that involve reduced human contact or time in transit.”
“We are keen to share this tech with any city that can provide occupancy data from its public transport services.”
SkedGo’s occupancy feature and COVID-19 alerts use open source data from operators to present real-time information on passenger numbers, arrival times and service information, such as alternative boarding procedures for trains, buses, trams or ferries. In the future, information on cleanliness could also be introduced.
ENDS
For further press information, images and interview requests:
Ali Gibson / Kate Beveridge
8020 Communications
+44 1483 447 380 / [email protected]
*Ipsos MORI poll, 1 May 2020, Majority of Britons uncomfortable returning to large sport or music events, public transport and bars or restaurants post lockdown
About SkedGo
SkedGo was founded in 2009. Its HQ is in Sydney, Australia and the enterprise has teams in Germany, UK, Vietnam and Argentina.
SkedGo provides the technological building blocks, which include its award-winning TripGo API, to create optimal MaaS solutions for governments, leading start-ups and corporations.
In 2016, TripGo spin-off RioGo won the official Rio Olympic City Transport challenge for the Olympic games. In 2017, SkedGo was named Gartner Cool Vendor for Smart Cities Applications and Solutions.
Also in 2017, SkedGo won the Smart Cities & Accessibility Challenge run by the NSW Department of Finance, Service and Innovation with Transport for NSW and Slingshot to include more features for wheelchair users.
In 2018, TripGo was named ‘Best Smartphone App’ by industry publication Business MaaS.
Strategic consultancy Ptolemus nominated SkedGo as ‘Best Mobility Platform Provider’ in 2019.
Photo courtesy of Pexels
