OnniBus updates their payment and traffic management with the help of Pusatec and Nets

The need to simplify and standardize drivers' tools

Onnibus set out to revamp drivers' tools based on a clear need. Several different systems were in use, and the solutions differed particularly between different vehicle models. Payment terminals were separate, which meant that drivers had to manage several devices at the same time.

"For a long time, we faced the challenge that single- and double-decker buses had very different solutions, and the payment terminals were separate. We wanted to standardize them," says Riku Mehta, Head of Digital Services at Onnibus.

The goal was to create a unified operating model where all key functions could be found on a single device. At the same time, the widespread adoption of contactless payment has shaped customer expectations: payment should be fast, easy, and reliable, even on buses.

"The main idea was that drivers would have one device, so they wouldn't need to carry multiple devices with them," Mehta continues.

The driver app brings all functions together on one tablet

Pusatec, which specializes in public transport payment solutions, among other things, was responsible for Onnibus's driver app. Pusatec's vision was to build a clear and versatile tool that brings together all the functions essential to the driver on a single tablet. Nets implemented the payment transaction functions for the app. With the driver app, drivers can view their shifts, sell and check tickets, accept pre-purchased tickets, and register passengers boarding the bus.

"The driver app is a tool for drivers to find their shifts and manage their finances," says Tuomas Rämö, Sales Director at Pusatec.

The driver app makes the driver's work easier and faster, as all functions are gathered in one place. In addition, the app provides a real-time view of the car's capacity and available seats, which makes it easier to manage passenger numbers during the journey.

"The app allows the driver to manage when passengers board, when they alight, and how many seats are available in the vehicle," says Rämö.

The solution is currently in use by around 200 Onnibus drivers across Finland and is being continuously developed based on feedback.

"Our philosophy is that a product is never finished, but is constantly being developed according to customer wishes. We will continue to develop ease of payment, and Nets will be our partner in this as well," says Rämö.

Nets SoftPOS enables payment directly on a tablet

Payments in the Onnibus driver app are based on Nets' SoftPOS solution, which enables payment directly on a tablet without a separate payment terminal.

"The driver receives the ticket price in the driver app, after which the customer can make a contactless payment directly on the tablet. After payment, the app returns the information to the driver app and prints a receipt for the passenger," Rämö explains.

Pusatec chose Nets as its partner because it had previous experience with Nets payment terminals, and the collaboration went well as expected.

"Nets was a natural choice for us because we had worked with them before," says Rämö.

The new driver app and unified payment system have improved not only the reliability of payments but also reporting and traffic monitoring.

“The solution has worked very well, and we have been able to improve payments and reporting with the help of the driver app,” Mehta summarizes.