»     The aim behind this new app is to improve users’ experiences, by bringing together apps and integrating several BSM mobility services into a one-stop-shop space and which can be used in an easier, more comfortable and more intuitive way
»     The app will be available for iOS and Android devices from 31 January on 
»     ApparkB, which allows users to pay for regulated ground-level parking (AREA) from their mobile is evolving and will be integrated into smou

This coming 31 January sees the arrival of smou, Barcelona's new mobility app, which brings together several mobility services into a one-stop-shop space. It has been designed to improve the users’ experiences, being faster, more intuitive and more comfortable to use and easier to access. Users will have centralised information available to them and direct access to the main services of Barcelona de Serveis Municipals, such as AREA, Aparcaments B:SM and the network of public electric charging points, as well as information on complementary mobility services. 

One of the main mobility services smou will offer is regulated ground-level parking that can be paid for by mobiles through apparkB, a system that used to require a specific app but which has now been developed and is integrated into the new app. So, as from 31 January, whoever wants to obtain a Green or Blue Area parking space ticket from their mobile will be able to do just that by using smou. 

This means users will be able to continue using this type of parking space ticket just as they had been up to now, paying only for the exact parking time, and without any need to walk over to the parking meter or leave a physical parking ticket in their car. To make it easier for all users to sign up to smou, the apparkB app will continue running for a further two weeks before it stops operating as from 15 February.

Further information and fully customisable

The main smou screen shows a map where all the information is displayed. What is more, the app has an added advantage for users in that is completely customisable. Users will be able to choose the services and information they want displayed at any given time, using filters. The information is shown in a system of layers superimposed on the map, which gives a clear and easy-to-understand display, available at all times, of nearby services.
 

Besides providing a way for obtaining AREA parking space tickets in an easy and comfortable way, smou offers users further information on services that will help them to choose the best way for getting about the city according to their personal preferences. It also shows the locations of car parks and public electric charging points as well as offers and locations of shared-mobility vehicles in the city.

Here the map will show the location of the 44 municipal car parks on the B:SM parking network, as well as full information on each of these, such as their timetables, rates and available services. One of the services on offer at car parks are electric charging points for electric vehicles on the Endolla Barcelona public network of electric charging points, which can also be found on streets.

Smou will also show at a glance whether the public charging point is in a car park, thereby enabling vehicles to be charged while parked, or on the street, where vehicles can stop for charging. Users will be able to know not just the locations but also the number of spaces available at each of the charging points, whether it is exclusive for cars or motorbikes and the type of plug that can be connected to it.

The User Information System (SIU), which predicts AREA parking space availability at a specific destination and time, is also integrated into smou. This represents a direct improvement on users’ experiences in that it cuts the time people take for looking for parking spaces in the city and consequently has a positive impact on the environment, as it reduces local traffic and pollution. 

Shared mobility is also a smou feature, thanks to the presence of shared Drivy vehicles and the special focus on shared bicycles. So full information on Bicing will also be included in smou, showing the locations of new and old stations and putting the emphasis on transition to the new Bicing system. In addition, smou will be the only mobile app showing the city’s entire network of bike lanes.

The new app will be available for both iOS and Android devices and will be downloadable for free.

It can be signed up for in the standard way through the app itself or the www.smou.cat website.

Anyone already using apparkB will only need to download the app and start their sessions with the same username and password they have been using up to now. Their profile will automatically shift from one app to the other and they will be able to continue managing their parking-space tickets in the same way, while enjoying access to new services and information.