The app offers general information about the route as well as interesting landmarks, which are automatically updated throughout your journey based on your GPS location. LiveGuide is based on Netcetera's product RailVista.
With the LiveGuide app, the Zentralbahn has launched a new digital traveling companion on the route between Lucerne and Interlaken. Travelers can use the app to get background information about the Zentralbahn, the route, and the most interesting sights along the way on their smartphone or tablet. At any time, travelers can see where they are on the map and when they will pass the next landmark. These landmarks appear automatically on the screen as soon as the train gets close. «The Zentralbahn is proud to offer this innovation to its travelers,» said Renato Fasciati, CEO of the Zentralbahn, with excitement. «This offer aligns with our strategy to position ourselves stronger among those traveling for pleasure, which represent 75% of all our passengers.»
Along with text and images, travelers can also listen to most of the information as audio files. All information, including audio files, are available in German, English, and Chinese. Users can also watch a short film of the landmarks on the route from the conductor's perspective. «The app offers a wide range of possibilities: Whether text, images, audio, or film – it has something for everyone,» said Renato Fasciati. «And with the Chinese translation we want to give our numerous guests from China a nice surprise».
The conductor's point of view
This innovation in rail travel is based on the product RailVista, which can be used for additional routes and railway companies. «We thank the Zentralbahn for their collaboration in developing this app,» said Rafael Pérez Süess, Head of New Markets at Netcetera. «We are convinced that this offer will satisfy many customers' needs and we look forward to future launches with other railway companies.» RailVista also offers a live video stream from the perspective of the conductor, the CockpitView. This places travelers at the front of the action when the train speeds through a tunnel or snakes around curves.
The LiveGuide app can be downloaded free in the app stores for both Android and iOS devices. The Zentralbahn recommends downloading the app beforehand over Wi-Fi. During the train ride, the app can be used without an internet connection, which is especially useful for international guests in order to avoid roaming fees.
