Increasing the ease of travel for millions of people in Stockholm
Development of a new ticket system so you can travel with your credit card
We helped the local Stockholm public transportation organisation SL increase the ease of travel for the millions of trips people do every day. A new ticket system was built from scratch utilising best practices and cloud infrastructure. The project was such a success that AWS has written a blog post about it.
Background
Stockholm Public Transport (SL) oversees the movement of three million citizens daily across a vast network that includes metros, trains, buses, and boats. Recognizing the need for innovation in their ticketing and information systems, SL embarked on a transformative journey to develop a cutting-edge, in-house digital solution.
The Challenge
Previously, SL relied on an outdated third-party ticketing system that was not keeping pace with the technological and operational demands of modern public transportation. The system was cumbersome for both passengers and staff, lacking the flexibility to integrate new features and scale efficiently. The goal was to create a more user-friendly, scalable, and future-proof system that could adapt to evolving customer needs and technological advancements.
The Solution
SL appointed David Looberger as the chief software architect, who led the transition to a new system built on the AWS Cloud. This move involved significant upskilling of staff and expansion of their IT teams. The new system utilised a range of AWS services, including Amazon EC2, Amazon RDS, and AWS Key Management Service, allowing for a flexible, robust, and secure architecture. Key features included mobile-first solutions, multiple ticket purchasing options, and seamless integration across different modes of transport.
The Results
The new ticketing system dramatically improved the accessibility and reliability of Stockholm’s public transport. It introduced innovations like contactless payments, automated discounts for students and the elderly, and enhanced service features for passengers with disabilities. The system not only supported a daily ridership of nearly 800,000 people but also played a crucial role in the economic revitalization of the city post-COVID-19, by boosting local businesses and tourism. This digital overhaul not only future-proofed SL’s operations but also established a new benchmark for public transport systems worldwide.
BUZZWORDS
API Design, Cloud, Micro Services, Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery, DevOps, AWS, PCI, Contactless, EMV
TECHNOLOGIES
Java, JavaScript, Swift, C, Kotlin, iOS, Android, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, AWS
RESPONSIBILITIES
Architecture, backend, frontend, mobile, infrastructure, devops