Mobistar becomes first partner of start-up NextRide, mobile public transport companion

Brussels, December 1 2015 - Mobistar is strengthening its partnership strategy with start-ups by signing an agreement with a team of young entrepreneurs that built the application NextRide, the mobile public transport companion. On the programme: Mobistar’s integration into the application via articles and advantages offered to public transport users.      

Mobistar is becoming the first commercial partner of Belgian start-up NextRide. NextRide offers fast and amusing access to the schedules of the STIB and TEC buses, trams and metros on IOS, Android, Windows Phone and the web. In addition to searching for a route, the app offers timing and the schedules, has a reminder function (similar to an alarm clock) as well as notifications when there is a delay or disruption.     

The application integrates “gamification” by encouraging users to share information about their routes with the rest of the community in exchange for points. Entertaining content is also proposed to them while waiting at the bus stop.

“Our collaboration with NextRide is an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnerships with start-ups and support digital innovation in Belgium, which is crucial to our economy. Informing smartphone users about new technologies and therefore associating ourselves with projects of young entrepreneurs in Belgium, is an integral part of the company´s strategy.” Cristina Zanchi, Chief Commercial Officer: “Via NextRide we want to give value to our customers by offering them high-quality information while they are checking for public transport or while they wait for their bus. That´s why we publish content on a range of digital platforms. NextRide allows us to make this available to users at a time when reading is especially favourable. We want to listen to our customers more, because it’s essential to be close to their needs and behaviours.”

And for the NextRide team, this is a chance to test its unique business model, based on sponsored content suggested to the users of the application.  

For the team, there was no question of polluting the application with advertising banners: “Being responsible for the NextRide community, I have a pretty good idea of what it needs and expects. And if we can find a formula that contributes genuine content that is relevant to our community, which gives visibility to great brands, and allows us to develop our public transport companion even more quickly… Everyone’s a winner!” explains Margaux De Ré, the project’s Communication Manager.

To discover these new contents offered by Mobistar, all you have to do is download NextRide on your smartphone!