MTR trials Bluetooth beacon navigation at one of its stations

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Photo: MTR.
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MTR is trialling a new mobile navigation app which uses Bluetooth beacon technology at one of its Hong Kong stations.

Beacons have been installed throughout Admiralty Station – one of MTR’s busiest interchanges – to test the new navigation function within the operator’s mobile phone application.

The beacons transmit a signal which devices like smartphones and tablets can then use to determine their location.

As well as helping customers navigate the station itself, one of the new features, “Fast Exit”, will tell passengers which train car and door number to board when they set off on their journey in order to be closest to the exit at their destination station.

The pilot is part of MTR’s Rail Gen 2.0 programme. Commercial director of MTR Corporation Jeny Yeung said: “Under Rail Gen 2.0, apart from major asset upgrades such as purchasing new trains and upgrading signalling systems, we endeavour to deliver satisfying MTR journeys to our customers all the time.

“With new technology, we want to provide more personalised information and service to our customers. What was not possible before can now be delivered through new technology.

“We will continue to pay attention to the development of new technology in the future, and constantly explore new opportunities to enhance our service.”


Read more: Learn about how Bluetooth beacons have been used to help visually impaired passengers