Helping Metlink Connect Communities Through Smarter Transport Information
Supporting Better Public Transport for the Wellington Region
For over a decade, Somar Digital has partnered with Metlink to design and build digital tools that support their goal of delivering reliable, accessible, and timely public transport information.
From journey planning and real-time updates to printed timetables and on-bus announcements, we’ve worked closely with the Metlink team to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and improve how information is shared across the network.
Poster & Flyer Builder
An internal web tool that lets Metlink staff create branded posters and flyers using live GTFS data – speeding up production and reducing design overhead.
Key Features:
- Branded templates ensure visual consistency across all assets
- Auto-generates route maps and service info from GTFS
- Eliminates manual mapping with dynamic data integration
- Downloadable as PDFs or images for quick printing
- Frees up design teams by enabling in-house asset creation
Printable Timetables
Enables Metlink staff to rapidly generate print-ready timetables from GTFS data, improving accuracy, consistency, and delivery speed while reducing manual effort.
Key Features:
- Web interface with real-time layout previews
- Time band and frequency display options
- Custom branding and cover pages
- PDF exports for print, signage, or web use
Service Alerts
An easy-to-use system for publishing targeted, real-time service alerts – keeping commuters informed across the Metlink app, website, and external platforms.
Key Features:
- Step-by-step creation using GTFS data
- Alerts sent instantly via email and push
- Open Data integration for broader distribution
- Tailored alerts by route, stop, or disruption type
Digital Screens
A cloud-managed software solution developed by Somar Digital that powers Metlink’s real-time digital displays (with hardware by Radiola), giving staff full control over content and layout.
Key Features:
- Remote updates for content, layout, and campaigns
- Configurable layouts for individual or grouped stops
- Brand-aligned visuals consistent with web and app
- Preview function for layout accuracy
- Supports promotional messaging alongside travel info
Total Cost of Journey Calculator
Integrated into Metlink’s Journey Planner, this tool compares the cost and emissions of private vehicle travel with public transport to support informed decisions.
Key Features:
- Compares full trip costs: fuel, parking, wear and tear
- Breaks down CO₂ emissions by vehicle type
- Transparent assumptions using verified data sources
- Built for reuse via Laravel and APIs
- Uses Mapbox for accurate trip distance calculations
On-Bus Announcements
A real-time audio and visual announcement system across Metlink’s 450+ strong bus fleet, helping all passengers, especially those with impairments, navigate the network more independently and confidently.
Key Features:
- Live stop announcements via screens and speakers
- Accessibility-first design informed by collaboration with groups like Blind Citizens NZ
- Natural Kiwi text-to-speech with Te Reo Māori support
- AWS Internet of Things backend for reliable, cloud-based updates
- GPS + dead reckoning ensures accuracy in tunnels
- Displays transfer info and landmarks to assist all users
Website & App
Since 2015, Somar Digital has worked with Metlink to deliver a mobile-friendly website and app that helps users plan journeys, access real-time info, and stay informed.
Key Features:
- Journey Planner supports routes, landmarks, and Snapper top-ups
- Live tracking shows vehicle positions and service timing
- Custom timetables display relevant stops with live updates
- MyMetlink accounts enable saved routes and personalised alerts
Explore the full case study: Metlink Website and App Case Study
Outcomes
Saving Time and Reducing Costs
Across tools like the Poster & Flyer Builder, Printable Timetables, and the Total Cost of Journey Calculator, Metlink has significantly reduced manual effort and design overhead.
- Metlink have estimated that they can now generate assets in approximately 1/10th of the time that it took them previously.
- Reduced reliance on external design support has freed up internal teams for higher-value tasks.
- Self-service tools have streamlined business-as-usual (BAU) communications, cutting down on approval loops and production delays.
Improving the Customer Experience
These solutions work together to give commuters timely, consistent, and accessible information - wherever and however they access Metlink services.
- Real-time updates via the website, app, digital screens, and on-bus announcements help commuters plan and adapt confidently.
- Journey planning tools and timetables are mobile-friendly, clear, and tailored to user preferences.
- Features like stop announcements and push alerts improve accessibility for vision-impaired, hearing-impaired, and infrequent users.
Enabling a Consistent, Cohesive Metlink Brand
Whether it's printed flyers, digital screens, or app interfaces, every customer touchpoint follows Metlink’s design standards.
- Built-in templates and branding controls ensure visual consistency across platforms.
- Updates to brand elements can be rolled out across multiple tools without rework.
- A familiar user interface across web, app, and physical signage builds trust and ease of use for commuters.
Faster, More Reliable Information Delivery
Metlink staff can now publish and update critical information quickly and accurately.
- Service alerts and screen displays are managed through cloud-based systems - no technical expertise required.
- Alert templates and validation rules ensure consistent, easy-to-understand messaging.
- Real-time integrations with GTFS and GTFS-RT keep information up to date across all user-facing tools.
Promoting Sustainable and Informed Travel
The Total Cost of Journey Calculator encourages mode shift by giving commuters transparent comparisons of private vs public transport.
- Shows real financial and CO₂ impacts across petrol, diesel, and EV vehicles.
- Integrated within the Journey Planner to influence behaviour at the point of decision.
- Reinforces broader goals around reducing congestion and emissions.
Designed for Flexibility and Future Growth
Every tool was built with adaptability in mind - designed to support a growing, changing network.
- APIs and cloud infrastructure support new channels, data sources, and features as needed.
- On-bus announcements can be centrally updated, including phonetic tuning for place names.
- New functionality, such as displaying campaign content or transfer info, can be added without needing to rebuild the system.
David Boyd, Customer Experience Manager, Metlink
