New product and service concepts
Comfort Check-in replaces ticket controls
After an initial testing phase, we introduced our Comfort Check-in service throughout Germany. This makes ticket checks obsolete as the customer checks in independently. The function is integrated exclusively into the DB Navigator app and can be used by all customers with a mobile or online ticket and seat reservation. Once the passengers have taken their seats, they simply check in by clicking on the app. This information is then displayed to the train crew on their ticket control devices. The train conductors can use the time they save for more customer service in the future. As of 2019, the digital service is to be released for additional ticket types.
New digital services in local transport
DB Regional, together with the contracting organizations in local transport, plans to provide customers with a digital travel experience. For this purpose, we are installing WiFi technology on our trains. In addition, an information portal has been developed that offers news, current trip information and tourist information. In addition to numerous pilot projects, such as in S-Bahn (metro) Munich, we have already equipped a few local transport networks with WiFi; these are: Elbe-Saale-Bahn, Expresskreuz Bremen, S-Bahn (metro) Rhine-Main and S-Bahn (metro) Stuttgart. We are in negotiations with additional public transport authorities. Currently, S-Bahn (metro) Hamburg stations are equipped with WiFi.
ioki – mobility on demand
With ioki, we are bringing on-demand mobility and autonomous driving into public transport. We have expanded our offer:
- ioki collaborates with the public transport provider Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). As part of a pilot project, a small self-driving bus can for the first time be individually ordered via an app. This small bus has been driving around the EUREF campus in Berlin since April. At a later point in time, we are planning to expand the testing operations to public roads.
- The first on-demand service followed in May 2018 as part of local public transport with integration into the existing fares in the town of Wittlich in Rhineland-Palatinate. The “Wittlich Shuttle” supplements existing transport structures and brings customers to their destination on flexible and varying routes depending on the travel destination. The service can be conveniently booked via an app. Owners of season tickets or single tickets pay a convenience surcharge of € 1 for the new service.
- As part of the smart city partnership of DB Group with the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, ioki will implement a driver-based on-demand shuttle service with connections to local public transport in Hamburg as of July 2018.
- In Bad Birnbach, the autonomous minibus has already been used by 10,000 passengers. As of summer 2018, a second bus will be added. Both vehicles will also stop at the train station which is 2 km away.
Cooperation for self-driving trucks
DB Schenker, in cooperation with MAN and Fresenius University, is carrying out a platooning project which is funded by the BMVI. In addition, there will be preparatory activities for the piloting of autonomous truck runs on terminal premises in 2018. MAN provided the test vehicles for the truck platooning project to DB Schenker in February 2018.
Utilizing blockchain technology
Blockchain is considered to be one of the most disruptive technologies ever. DB Group is testing various applica-tions – from logistics supply chains and the clearing of internal services via smart contracts as well as the distribution of proceeds in regional transport to digital identity, such as that of trains but also of passengers. The DB Systel blockchain team drives the blockchain and distributed ledger technology implementation.
Clarity in real time thanks to SmartBooking
The SmartBooking solution developed by DB employees shows free conference rooms and workstations in real time. For this purpose, the first rooms and workstations were equipped with sensors that function like motion sensors and with check-in buttons during a test phase. This makes it possible to book or release workstations at the touch of a button. The data is delivered via a radio network to the DB Internet of Things cloud.