Corethree’s Redesign of the Get Me There App for Metrolink’s Zonal Pricing System

This article explores the significant redesign undertaken by Corethree, a mobile ticketing and data technology provider, to adapt the “Get Me There” app for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to accommodate Metrolink’s (Greater Manchester’s light rail system) newly implemented zonal pricing system. The transition to a zonal fare structure presented a substantial challenge, requiring a complete overhaul of the application’s underlying data architecture and user interface. This necessitated a rapid and efficient response from Corethree, leveraging their Core Engine platform to successfully meet the tight deadline imposed by the January 13th launch date. The article examines the technical complexities involved in this project, the innovative solutions implemented, and the resulting impact on both Metrolink’s operational efficiency and the customer experience. The case study serves as a valuable illustration of the challenges and rewards of implementing complex fare structures within a rapidly evolving mobile ticketing environment.

The Challenge of Zonal Pricing Implementation

Metrolink’s previous fare system relied on a simple point-to-point pricing model, where the ticket cost was directly determined by the origin and destination stops. The introduction of a zonal system, dividing the network into four zones, significantly increased the complexity of fare calculation. This required the system to not only identify the zones encompassing each of the 93 Metrolink stops but also account for the complexities introduced by the 11 stops located on zone boundaries, which have varying fares depending on the direction of travel. This presented a considerable challenge for Corethree, requiring a fundamental redesign of the “Get Me There” app’s backend data processing and the user interface for seamless ticket purchasing.

Corethree’s Technological Response: Leveraging Core Engine

Corethree’s Core Engine, a sophisticated m-ticketing (mobile ticketing) data platform, proved crucial in addressing the complexities of the zonal pricing system. Core Engine’s scalability and power allowed Corethree to reconfigure the platform to accurately map all 93 Metrolink stops to their respective zones and calculate fares based on the zones traversed. This involved a comprehensive replacement of the existing datasets within the app, a process completed within an exceptionally short timeframe. The redesign involved intricate algorithms to handle the complexities of boundary stops and directional pricing, ensuring accurate fare calculation for every journey.

User Interface Redesign for Enhanced Usability

The user interface (UI) redesign was as critical as the backend changes. Corethree addressed the potential confusion caused by the new zonal system by designing two distinct user flows. One flow caters to users familiar with the zonal system, allowing them to directly select their required zones. A second flow is designed for users unfamiliar with the zonal structure, guiding them through an intuitive process to identify the relevant zones for their journey. This dual-approach ensured a smooth transition for all users, regardless of their familiarity with the new pricing scheme. The focus was on intuitive design and clear, concise information presentation to minimize user confusion and maximize ease of use.

Success and Future Implications

The successful and timely implementation of the zonal pricing system on Metrolink’s “Get Me There” app showcases Corethree’s expertise in m-ticketing and data management. The project’s success underlines the importance of collaboration between technology providers and transit authorities in delivering efficient and user-friendly mobile ticketing solutions. The rapid redesign and implementation demonstrated the scalability and adaptability of Corethree’s Core Engine platform. The project’s success also highlights the growing importance of mobile ticketing in public transportation. The seamless transition to the new zonal pricing system on January 13th, 2019, without significant disruption to Metrolink’s over 42 million annual passengers (who include 111,400 app users purchasing over 2,000,000 tickets via the app), underscores the value of proactive planning and a robust technological infrastructure. This success story serves as a benchmark for future mobile ticketing implementations, illustrating the critical need for flexible, adaptable systems capable of accommodating evolving fare structures and technological advancements.