· Bürgerbus, Bürgerrufverkehr, Dettingen an der Erms, SMS-Benachrichtigung, Tourenplanung, Live-Karte, Mobilität, Ehrenamt, Fahrgastinformation, Bürgerbus-Plattform
Automatically translatedShow original
The citizen bus for Dettingen an der Erms is gaining momentum: Behind the scenes, intensive work was done on the platform on May 22. This was not only about new features, but above all about making the future day-to-day operations simpler, more reliable, and more modern for passengers and the driving team.
Especially exciting: The citizen bus can now communicate with passengers even better via SMS. Phone numbers can be verified directly via an SMS code in the future – similar to what you know from modern online services. This increases security and ensures that important information actually arrives. In addition, a new “Continuation SMS” has been integrated: Passengers will be automatically informed in the future when the citizen bus is approaching or a continuation of the journey is imminent – including a countdown timer. This can be a real benefit later on, especially for older people or passengers without a smartphone.
A lot has also happened in the area of tour planning. The platform now automatically recognizes when a planned tour no longer contains any active bookings and can release it again. At the same time, suitable stops along the route are added automatically. This will create dynamic and smarter journeys in the future instead of rigid routes. This is exactly what makes a modern citizen call service: flexible, efficient, and still easy to understand.
Another major topic was the map and navigation view. Tours are now displayed on interactive maps. Drivers will therefore see much better in the future which route is being driven, which stops are being visited, and how the route develops. Planned journeys can also be visualized in advance. This brings the project an important step closer to a true live display of the citizen bus.
In addition to the major features, work was also done on many small details that make the difference. Double bookings are now automatically prevented, cancelled journeys are cleanly hidden, and the user guidance has been further improved. Even custom error pages have been designed so that visitors with incorrect links do not simply “run into the void,” but can quickly find their way back.
The project is also developing linguistically: “Shifts” will replace “Deployments” in the future. This sounds more understandable, more modern, and fits the voluntary character of the project better.
With each of these steps, the citizen bus platform is growing further into a digital mobility offering that is specifically tailored to the needs in Dettingen an der Erms – social, flexible, and suitable for everyday use. However, we consciously keep in mind the people who are less familiar with modern technology. Digitalization means participation for us, not exclusion. That is why we consciously rely on simple solutions such as SMS notifications, which work even with older mobile phones. And of course, telephone bookings will continue to be supported and further expanded in the future. Because a citizen bus must be accessible and usable for all people – regardless of age, smartphone, or technical knowledge.
