Arriva launches new multi-modal travel app for EU passengers

Credit: Arriva

Arriva has added a completely new brand in the form of a multi-modal app to its public transport offering in the EU, with the launch of a travel platform designed to connect passengers to multiple modes and operators of public, shared transport, or micro-mobility transport in the Netherlands.

Named ‘glimble’, it is Arriva’s first MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) solution in the EU. MaaS provides a passenger-centred approach to mobility, enhancing the passenger experience by making it easier to combine different modes when planning, booking, and paying for a journey. Arriva has developed the app in partnership with the leading journey planning technology provider Moovit, and with the potential for a wider roll-out in other parts of the EU, where data sharing agreements and systems exist.

The development of ‘glimble by arriva’ came after Arriva Netherlands was awarded two pilot projects by the local authorities in the Netherlands, to trial MaaS solutions. Seven pilot projects in total were awarded. Furthermore, Arriva was the only public transport company to be awarded pilots due to its strong reputation in serving the Dutch market.

During the COVID-19 pandemic several EU cities invested in new infrastructure to encourage cycling or walking, and some have even introduced e-scooter trials. These initiatives have provided greater modal flexibility for people to move across cities. The glimble solution encompasses all these options and it allows Arriva to look beyond its own operations and provide integrated, multimodal journeys.

“With this platform, we are set to become a leading mobility provider,” said Anne Hettinga, Arriva Group Board Member and Managing Director of the Netherlands. “In a world where everyone is constantly on the move and connection and accessibility is essential, we need to be adaptable and nimble. Our glimble brand has started its Arriva journey in the Netherlands, but we know it has pan-EU appeal – and potential – we are starting to explore this in countries where the necessary data sharing agreements exist.”

The functionality also incorporates accessibility features, such as screen reading features for low vision users, talkback, and voiceover capabilities. The app also identifies wheelchair-accessible routes and stations, while also calculating step-free journeys. Furthermore, for those with hand-motor disabilities, glimble is designed with optimised menus and buttons. 

Other functionality due to be added to the passenger app includes parking locations and a search capability for electric car charging points.

Several mobility providers can be found in the app for several different modes including shared car hire, demand responsive transport, e-scooters, e-taxis, tram, rail, ferry, bus, and e-bicycles.  Arriva expects to add further carriers to glimble in the coming months, as well as plans to expand to include Belgium and parts of Germany, from the Netherlands, to make cross-border journey planning and payment more efficient.