The concept of the Autobahn app made sense: the Autobahn GmbH des Bundes should not keep its abundance of data on the current traffic situation on the Federal Autobahn for itself, but should share it with drivers via a smartphone app. After all, the government company knows each construction site and also knows when they are likely to close again. The company can also provide reliable information about major traffic jams or the locations of serious accidents. However, the Autobahn should be adequate from the start for one basic function that other map apps can perform, which is physical navigation.
no dynamic
This is still the case a year after the first app release was presented on July 20, 2021 and after 750,000 downloads. For example, if you look up the route from Berlin to Bremen, you will see the route description for the usual route through Magdeburg and Hanover, including all the turbulence that occurred along the way. However, the information is relevant only before the start of the trip. The app is unable to dynamically give turn instructions (“turn by turn” commands) while driving.
The app also cannot suggest alternative methods in real time. On the other hand, using Maps from Google, Apple, TomTom and other providers, users were correctly directed to the alternate route, according to other findings.
However, users do not miss only the navigation function. The application is also created in such a way that it is impossible to use it while driving. There is no voice control for this. There are also no plans to integrate with Google’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto systems. If you want to use the Autobahn app while driving, you need a passenger or you have to stop in a parking lot to browse the app safely.
closed function
Users’ reservations can also be seen in the ratings. The app has a score of 2.4 out of five stars on the App Store and 2.9 out of five stars on the Google Play Store.
However, in the latest reviews it is often given only 1 star because Autobahn GmbH has discontinued a popular function. At first, users were able to get an idea of the traffic situation from hundreds of webcams along highways. Now it just shows an error message: “Due to the current developments in Europe, we have decided to deactivate webcam images until further notice.” This means that the app has “become useless,” according to the review. Many users complain that tax money is wasted here. According to Autobahn GmbH, it cost 1.2 million euros to develop the app.
What does Bitcom say?
The criticism of the Autobahn app in stores has also reached the Bitkom Digital Association. “The federal highway implementation did not meet expectations,” says Bernard Rohleder, CEO of Bitkom. It does not offer any recognizable added value compared to the current offers, such as avoiding traffic jams or displaying the nearest gas station. This is also shown by user ratings in the app stores.”
In principle, Rohleder said, it is welcome for the public sector to develop digital offerings. “However, these should be based on people’s needs and, above all, should start where there are no corresponding specials.”
What’s Next?
However, Autobahn GmbH does not want to abandon the concept of the application and has chosen a new target group: “The application provides all truck drivers with many options for fast and efficient navigation,” says Imo von Valois, Head of Communications.
It remains to be seen whether the concept of the app will be radically changed again: “After the app has been available for more than a year, we are currently revising the future listing of the offering,” explained Autobahn GmbH. “The new version of the Autobahn app will be available by the end of the year.”
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