Vienna Public Transport Launches Elevator Control App

With the new “Liftboy” app, Wiener Linien, Vienna, Austria’s public transport operator, enables the contactless control of its elevators via Bluetooth, Vienna Online reports. This is intended to make boarding easier for people with mobility impairments, according to the company. By the end of 2025, all elevators should have this function. Users can call the elevator via mobile phone from a distance of 10 to 15 m and extend the door opening and closing times of the elevator from 3 to up to 12 s. All elevators that can be controlled with the Liftboy app — named after the idea of the “lift boy” who would operate an elevator — are marked with a sticker. It contains a QR code and a link with information and download for the app. The communication between the elevator and the app occurs via Bluetooth so the app works without an internet connection. As part of the upgrade of the elevators, the voice announcement at the elevator call stations will also be expanded. When users press the call button, the announcement informs them in German and English if the elevator is unavailable due to a malfunction.