Travel and Transportation
New World First Ferry: Mobile Application Development
Background
New World First Ferry Services Limited (First Ferry) operates five main inner harbour and outlying-island ferry routes in Hong Kong, including North Point-Hung Hom and North Point-Kowloon City, as well as Central-Cheung Chau, Central-Mui Wo and Inter-Islands, together with one special ferry route between North Point and Joss House Bay, Sai Kung during Tin Hau Festival only. The five main routes record a daily traffic footfall up to 40,000 passengers (as of 30 June, 2014). First Ferry is jointly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited and NWS Holdings Limited.
PCCW Solutions was selected to provide the mobile application development consulting as well as system integration services. The development of “First Ferry Mobile App” was completed in four months.
First Ferry has never stopped at providing quality ferry services but keeps up with the times and strives for our best. By launching the ‘First Ferry Mobile App’, we aim to introduce a unique ferry service mobile app experience to the general public with all-in-one information on ferry services but also about outlying-island tourist attractions. 
Anthea Chau
Corporate Communications Manager First Ferry
Solutions
The newly launched “First Ferry Mobile App” not only allows users to access accurate and comprehensive ferry service information anytime, anywhere, but also furnishes the guide to outlying-island tourist attractions. Planning a wonderful trip is just so easy.
Smartphone users can download the mobile app for free by searching “First Ferry” in iTunes App Store and Android Play Store.
Key functions include:
- Pop up of “Next Sailing” with related ferry information: the departure time and relevant information of the next sailing will be shown, counting from the moment the user enters the timetable.
- Fare calculator: passengers can get an idea of travelling budget before their trips.
- Travel guides to outlying islands: by turning on the GPS function of mobile phone, the app will list out nearby tourist hotspots on Cheung Chau and Mui Wo, accompanied with travel guides.
- Real-time Message: passengers can interactively communicate with the Customer Service Officer, make enquiries or voice out
Value created
By launching the new mobile app, First Ferry has been awarded the Silver Awards (Mobile Application Stream) for Android and iOS respectively in the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2014, co-organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC).
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