ECR Retail Systems

Lübeck Ferries

lubeck ferries showing their app

Stadtverkehr Lübeck introduced m-ticketing on the historic ferry link connecting the Priwall peninsula to the mainland. With the mobile system in place, car drivers no longer wait in line to buy their tickets and ferries now leave on time.

With the HopOn solution providing a comprehensive back-end, SV Lübeck has now accurate data on
the number of rides provided to Priwall residents that are entitled to free rides, and can claim accurate refunding from the local authorities.

The Client


Stadtverkehr Lübeck introduced m-ticketing on the historic ferry link connecting the Priwall peninsula to the mainland. With the mobile system in place, car drivers no longer wait in line to buy their tickets and ferries now leave on time.

With the HopOn solution providing a comprehensive back-end, SV Lübeck has now accurate data on the number of rides provided to Priwall residents that are entitled to free rides, and can claim accurate refunding from the local authorities.

Stadverkehr Lübeck operates municipal buses and the historic ferry link between Travemünde port and the Priwall peninsula. With its three vessels, the service carries more than three million passengers and one million vehicles annually over the Trave river

M-Ticketing Solution

Up until early 2017, SV Lübeck issued only paper fares for passengers, cars and bikes for the ferry line.These were available at designated convenience stores in town, and directly at the docks. There, ticket sales and validation could lead to considerable lines during peak hours and delay ferries’ departures. SV Lübeck understood that m-ticketing was the most efficient way to eliminate the bottlenecks before boarding. The HopOn m-ticketing solution supports the comprehensive tariff and subscription structure the operator offers and offers hassle-free validation.

Ticket purchase:

Following initial registration, passengers can buy tickets for themselves, their cars and their bikes. Single rides as well as five-packs, monthly and annual passes are available through the app. Upon creation of a user profile, special tariffs for residents, students, youth, and children are applied.

Validation:

SV Lübeck operates in a Check-In only model. As there is only one station on each side of the river, there is no need for Be-Out.

 At each dock, three HopOn beacons were installed for seamless coverage. When boarding, passengers activate their m-tickets with a simple click. Their phones then search for the BLE signals from the beacons, and once received, the tickets are validated. The HopOn system can simultaneously validate multiple m-tickets, so passengers can freely board, both on foot and by car.

Inspection:

SV Lübeck uses the HopOn inspection app for random controls on the ferries. 

Data analysis: 

Through the HopOn back office, SV Lübeck has a complete overview over all bought and validated tickets and can easily analyze and forecast passenger volumes. With Priwall residents enjoying ferry service free of charge, SV Lübeck has now an efficient tool to track the number of these gratis rides and get accurately refunded by the local authorities