This mobility app changes the rules of the game in Madrid

Madrid Mobility 360 will let users know the occupancy of buses among many other things

The Municipality of Madrid presented today a new mobile app called Madrid Mobility 360 with features which fully satisfy the digitalization, sustainability and health safety ambitions of the administration and citizens in the field of public transport.

Unlike previous such apps, the Madrid Mobility 360 will offer its users complete information on their transportation options from point A to point B in the city, including bicycles, scooters and shared cars in addition to buses, light train and subway.

Furthermore, commuters will have the chance to know in advance what the occupancy of an upcoming bus is in order to make better decisions on how to plan their trip in times of epidemic circumstances.

The app was developed by EMT – the public transport company of the Spanish capital

The release of the app also serves another function, it is hoped that it will help the City Council flatten out rush hour crowding on public transport vehicles. The occupancy of the approaching buses will be colour coded (green, yellow, orange and red) indicating the level. Passengers will also be offered alternative routes or times with lower occupancies in the case of high-level alerts.

The addition of vehicles which do not have a fixed location, such as scooters, bicycles and shared cars is a definite first in the development of such apps and it is praised for allowing commuters have the complete picture of their mobility options, including estimated time of travel and costs.

Scooters and bicycles have become an increasingly common fixture on the streets of European cities, so it is only natural to include them on such an app. Furthermore, their presence is a sign of changing attitudes towards greater sustainability in terms of mobility.

Madrid Mobility 360 reflects that as well. Users will be informed about the total carbon footprint in terms of CO2 emissions for the journey they are making.

And finally, the app allows the purchasing of bus and city bicycle tickets with the generation of QR codes.