Smart ways to Antwerp.

Large-scale constructions, new vehicle emission standards, and continuous expansion of citywide transportation options... Antwerp must juggle all these concepts daily in the coming years. Consequently, encouraging commuters to move smartly is one of the city's main priorities.

The ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen’ platform was created to invigorate this digital strategy. In addition to providing a great deal of information on mobility in the city and all sorts of related topics, this new platform also shows a multimodal route planner, which makes it possible to combine different transport options into one route.?

To make this platform a reality, cooperation was set up with several mobility partners, including Be-Mobile , Bird , NMBS-SNCB , ... Meanwhile, the website was translated into a more travel-friendly format so visitors, tourists, and residents of the City of Antwerp can use the platform as a mobile application.

“The city's modal shift plan required a continuous design and development effort.” Christophe Van Meerbeeck - Project Manager Studio Hyperdrive.

All website functionalities were gradually elaborated in a mobile variant until a route planner was made available, including integrated turn-by-turn navigation.

Your sidekick for traveling the city of Antwerp.

We certainly achieved the predetermined goal; more and more people are leaving their cars at home and are using the ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen’ website or app as their regular partner in traveling the city. Meanwhile, the local police services also use the website to direct traffic, while the average person on the street uses it to plan their next bike ride.

Besides the handy tools that are offered, it has also become clear that many Antwerp citizens first take a look at ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen’ to answer all their mobility questions. This has resulted in a better structured and clearer approach to information for citizens.

The updated site now features an enhanced homepage with a convenient search function, and both the route planner and mobility map have been completely redesigned and optimized. The route planner can now be integrated for free on other websites that wish to share accessibility information.

Quick and easy access to real-time data and information.

Visitors to the updated ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen’ website will find the information they need much faster, thanks to the new homepage with a search bar. Popular information is highlighted, and interviews and interesting statistics are prominently displayed.

The biggest adjustment is the integration of the route planner and mobility map into one application, divided into mobility themes. Users can now choose from 8 quick filters for information and routes related to walking, cycling, public transport, cars, shared mobility, Park and Rides, or accessibility. Each filter offers specific maps with relevant information, such as benches and drinking fountains for walking routes.

Commuters can also visualize additional transportation options and/or layers on the map, utilizing real-time data wherever possible. This includes the status of escalators and elevators under the Scheldt, occupancy of 'Park and Rides', and the status of bridges and locks. Relevant information such as rates and facilities is also displayed.

Optimization for mobile users.

The website is optimized for smartphone use, as 70% of visitors access the site on their phones. An additional filter for accessibility offers a high-contrast base map with useful information such as tactile paving, audible traffic signals, accessible parking spaces, and accessible toilets.

Free integration on other sites.

Slim Naar Antwerpen now offers its application as a free widget for other city websites and external sites that want to share accessibility information. The integration manual is available on the ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen website.

App update.

The ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen’ app will also switch to the redesigned route planner by this fall.

“Our policy is data-driven, and further integration of this makes it possible for ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen’ to better inform and assist commuters in choosing how to travel to and within the city. In short, smarter travel to Antwerp.” Koen Kennis - Mobility Councilor.

Route planner developments are receiving European support through the SPINE and SCALE-UP projects, each with its own focus.

Curious about the ‘Slim Naar Antwerpen’-platform? Have a look at https://www.slimnaarantwerpen.be/

For more digital creations by Studio Hyperdrive, this is the way: www.studiohyperdrive.be