Norwegian transport company, Kolumbus, has initiated a new QR campaign that is aimed at making bus schedules more easily available. The codes will let anyone with a smart phone track buses wherever they may be. The company has embedded the codes in more than 1,200 bus stops around the country.
The codes already show on their printed paper bus schedules, but Kolumbus is sure that people will still want to scan the codes at the stops. The paper schedule only provides estimates whereas the QR schedule provides real-time updates. Another service, which is not currently functional, will notify those that have scanned the codes of delays.
The buses cover 2,800 routes throughout Norway and are prone to unexpected hold-ups. With a number of people relying on public transit for their day to day activities, the codes could prove to be invaluable.
Kolumbus is also encouraging its patrons to share the codes via Facebook and Twitter, to make them available to other riders that may be unable to obtain the information otherwise. They are fostering a sort of social network for their riders that is unprecedented in such an environment. While it remains to be seen whether anyone will actually participate in the network, Kolumbus is certain that its use of QR will be a success.
QR codes have proven themselves to be incredibly useful and valuable to businesses and individuals. Japan, the birth place of QR codes, uses them extensively in almost every industry. As their popularity soars, QR codes may become an essential part of life.
