Savaria Utas Application
About this good practice
The Savaria Passenger App launched in Szombathely, Hungary, following the city's replacement of its national bus service provider. Partnering with Blaguss, the city aimed to modernise and enhance public transit. This free app centralises essential information for current users and those transitioning from personal transport, offering network maps, schedules, transfer points, and real-time bus tracking. It leverages open data, including maps, bus stop geolocation, connections, running times, and GPS data, while generating new open data. Integrating this with user insights and Szombathely’s demographic data, the city improved decision-making, enabling free public transport for children under 14. Residents can easily plan trips that include walking and cycling. A key feature shows all buses on a map with real-time locations and nearby departures. Users can view departure times at any stop and access the full timetable, ensuring up-to-date information. The app lets passengers mark favourite stops for quick access and sends push notifications about route or schedule changes. Expansion plans include micro-mobility options, and a desktop version is available. This initiative supports the Szombathely2030 economic program, promoting data-driven, smart city solutions and a greener city centre.
Resources needed
Purchase of the necessary hardware for 33 Mercedes-Benz Citaro: 25.000 EUR
Passenger Information Software and HR costs ca. 2000 EUR/month
Evidence of success
Starting September 1, 2023, Blaguss improved the Szombathely bus network with reliable, well-coordinated connections and launched the updated Savaria Utas real-time travel app. Passengers can now plan trips using both scheduled and real-time data. The app is popular, with 8,600 iOS and 13,044 Android users. On average, users check the app 4-5 times daily, spending 2 minutes per session. In the past year, users planned an average of 22,916 trips per month.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice is beneficial for mid-sized cities with various transportation modes—buses, trams, subways, micro-mobility devices (scooters, bicycles), and alternatives (walking, cycling). Existing open data like maps, geolocation of bus stops, running times, combined with digitalization, can greatly enhance services. In Hungary, outside the capital, smart tools are scarce; outdated schedules discourage public transport use. The Szombathely2030 program aims to introduce similar solutions to improve citizen well-being and reduce environmental impact.