The Autobahn app is only partially usable even after a year | Multimedia

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 will be closed again. The highway 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. 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 routes in real time, for example to respond to the complete closure of the A2 near Magdeburg like last Tuesday. Instead of recalculating the route and showing the alternative via the A24 via Hamburg, the app indicated only in this specific case that the route via the A2 meant a delay of more than three hours. Using Maps from Google, Apple, TomTom and other providers, on the other hand, users were properly directed to the alternate route.

Required to use Passenger app

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 into Google’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto systems, which securely bring smartphone apps to the infotainment screens of modern cars. If you want to operate the Autobahn app while driving, you need a passenger or you have to stop in a parking lot to browse the app safely.

Users’ reservations can also be seen in the ratings. The app has a rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars in the App Store and 2.9 out of 5 stars in 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 for the time being.” As a result, the app has become “useless,” according to the review. Many users complain that tax money is wasted here. According to Autobahn GmbH, the development of the app cost 1.2 million euros.

Bitkom: Expectations are not met

The criticism of the Autobahn app in stores has also reached the Bitkom Digital Association. “Federal highway implementation has not met expectations,” Bitkom CEO Bernard Rollier said of the German news agency. 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. “But these should be based on people’s needs and, above all, should start where there are no corresponding specials.” Rather than developing a product for the end customer such as an end-to-end application, it would be more promising to make basic data such as construction sites, shipping options for e-cars or existing traffic flow available to third parties in such a way that this information can be easily integrated into existing offerings. “More citizens will benefit directly from this.”

New feature for trucks

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. A quick overview is integrated into the app for “Brummis” at the start of summer vacation. The app provides information about which routes are affected by the holiday driving ban on Saturdays in July and August and which alternative routes are available.

Autobahn GmbH has also announced a new application functionality that makes it easier for truck drivers to find a parking space based on a new digital parking registration system. The function is scheduled to be activated at the end of August 2022.

It remains to be seen whether the highly criticized concept of the app will be changed again: “After the app has been available for more than a year, we are currently reviewing 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.”