How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
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Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#2As a Helsinki resident (and Whim user) it’s important to point out that while the user base of Whim has grown quite a bit, it’s most likely due to the introductory price that won’t last forever. For 49 € you get public transport, public bike (first half an hour free), cheap taxi rides and perhaps slightly cheaper car renting, whereas to get public transport alone without this app is around 55 €. So I wouldn’t call it a success just yet.
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#3As a Helsinki resident (and Whim user) it’s important to point out that while the user base of Whim has grown quite a bit, it’s most likely due to the introductory price that won’t last forever. For 49 € you get public transport, public bike (first half an hour free), cheap taxi rides and perhaps slightly cheaper car renting, whereas to get public transport alone without this app is around 55 €. So I wouldn’t call it…
It's noted in the article that once they reach 60k subscribing monthly users they can start buying wholesale from the transportation markets which will allow them to turn a profit.
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#4As a Helsinki resident (and Whim user) it’s important to point out that while the user base of Whim has grown quite a bit, it’s most likely due to the introductory price that won’t last forever. For 49 € you get public transport, public bike (first half an hour free), cheap taxi rides and perhaps slightly cheaper car renting, whereas to get public transport alone without this app is around 55 €. So I wouldn’t call it…
It's noted in the article that once they reach 60k subscribing monthly users they can start buying wholesale from the transportation markets which will allow them to turn a profit.
I understand the model, but nevertheless Whim points out it’s an introductory offer, so price raise is expected.
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#5Can Whim do trip planning using all transportation options? Having a few apps doesn't bother me, what I'm missing is something that says "hail a car to the train station A, then take a train to station B and then a bicycle to point C".
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#6Can Whim do trip planning using all transportation options? Having a few apps doesn't bother me, what I'm missing is something that says "hail a car to the train station A, then take a train to station B and then a bicycle to point C".
You should try Citymapper!
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#7Can Whim do trip planning using all transportation options? Having a few apps doesn't bother me, what I'm missing is something that says "hail a car to the train station A, then take a train to station B and then a bicycle to point C".
Yes, that's the whole point - combining transportation methods. Taxicabs, trains and bike sharing are all available via different apps and APIs. Whim aims to work as type of an aggregator who offers them all in the same app.
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#8Can Whim do trip planning using all transportation options? Having a few apps doesn't bother me, what I'm missing is something that says "hail a car to the train station A, then take a train to station B and then a bicycle to point C".
Yes, that's the whole point - combining transportation methods. Taxicabs, trains and bike sharing are all available via different apps and APIs. Whim aims to work as type of an aggregator who offers them all in the same app.
Aggregating is one thing; Google Maps also aggregates ride-sharing and public transport, but can't route using both at once.
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#9Can Whim do trip planning using all transportation options? Having a few apps doesn't bother me, what I'm missing is something that says "hail a car to the train station A, then take a train to station B and then a bicycle to point C".
You should try Citymapper!
Thanks, I will.
EDIT: Tried the web UI, doesn't seem to do that; it shows the separate PT/Cycling/Taxi routes, but none actually integrated. Plus the taxi route went over the river! (there was a car ferry once, but not for years)
Re: How Helsinki Arrived at the Future of Urban Travel First
#10As a Helsinki resident (and Whim user) it’s important to point out that while the user base of Whim has grown quite a bit, it’s most likely due to the introductory price that won’t last forever. For 49 € you get public transport, public bike (first half an hour free), cheap taxi rides and perhaps slightly cheaper car renting, whereas to get public transport alone without this app is around 55 €. So I wouldn’t call it…
Does it cover the greater Helsinki area? As a Vantaa resident, I spend over 100 euros a month on public transport. This app sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?