The NS has something new for progressive commuters: the NS Lab app. This is the experimental brother of the NS Travel Planner, with which you can try out all kinds of handy, new functions.
NS Lab lets you test the new travel
There is usually quite a bit of time between the moment app developers have come up with a new function and users can use it. NS wants to provide train passengers with improvements to the NS Travel Planner app more quickly. NS Lab was set up for this reason, so that the company can test and implement new functions quickly but safely.
This app is a stripped down, experimental version of the Trip Planner. Users can test all kinds of new functions here that should make your train journey more fun or easier. What is especially striking is that you benefit from the app during the entire journey, instead of just when planning it. The app therefore offers step-by-step travel guidance, but no planner.
To use the app, first plan a trip in the regular NS app. You can then share this via the icons at the top with the NS Lab app. You will then see how many minutes you have left to catch your train, where to change and you will be provided with navigation to the platform from your current location.
Entertainment and mnemonics
In addition, entertainment has been thought of. Listen to different podcasts, take a quiz or play a game from the app. Or use MindfulNS, the NS’s own mindfulness function for a peaceful journey. Finally, the app gives you a hand when checking in or out.
For example, you will receive a message that you should not forget to check out at the end of your trip. If the app detects that you have checked in, you will see a map of the station, with a route from the gate to the platform where your train departs. Also nice: this does not affect your privacy. This data is sent directly to your phone and not stored by the app.
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