Ironhack’s Prework: Alonso Huete_Challenge1

Introduction:

CityMapper is a public transit app and mapping service that integrates different modes of urban transportation, ranging from walking and cycling, to public transit services and private services like Uber. Its emphasis however, is public transit. The data used in the app is obtained from a variety of sources, including open data provided by transit authorities and resources created by the users of the app.

The app has been operational since 2011 and it now includes 41 cities and metropolitan areas which include, London, New York, Mexico City, among others.

Main problems:

Users have issues with having to use different payment methods when using different modes of transport.

Users are also limited by where and how they can pay for those services, since some have automated machines, some have ticket stands and some you have to pay for in site.

One very prevalent problem is having to use cash/spare change to pay for the tickets or recharging your card, since sometimes the use of public transportation can occur at random moments and carrying cash is not the norm anymore.

There are no options to pay with a credit/debit card, and no app/website allows you to recharge your card through them.

Forgetting your card is also a common problem, and in some metro lines and metrobus, it’s the only payment option accepted.

Problem definition:

Despite the users having to use different channels to purchase tickets/recharging your card, the main problem identified was actually having to use spare change/cash to pay for said tickets. The users interviewed normally don’t carry cash around, so payment can be a hassle, especially in situations where the user wasn’t planning on using public transportation on a given day or moment.

Proposed solution:

There are many ways to solve this particular problem, but one has to keep in mind the limitations Mexico City’s public transport system and the updates it’s currently living through with the integrated mobility card, which should include all public transport services in the near future.

As such, the proposed solution would be simple: allowing a pre-payment method straight through the CityMapper app, that generates a redeemable code. This would allow users to pay with a credit/debit card from any place, at any time, and simply redeeming the payment at a ticket stand or automatic machine by using an in-app generated code. This solution, would of course be strengthened if more payment booths/machines were installed throughout the city and not be exclusive to Metro/Metrobus stations but it would help make payments faster and easier, along with expanding options for those who rarely use cash.

Observations:

Paying attention and directing the conversation is a lot more important when interviewing than just getting straight answers. It allows the interviewed subject to expand on things and give insights that could have been overlooked in the questions.

Creating solutions is also very contextually dependent; some solutions can be used for certain contexts only because the conditions to establish them already exist.