Every metropolitan city is bustling with thousands of transportation options, such as metros, buses, cabs, and more. Navigating your way through the city can be a challenge. The Transit app solves this issue by providing a one-stop platform to track all transportation facilities in the nation.
If you’re an enterprise looking forward to developing a similar app then read on. In this blog, we’ll explore the steps you need to follow for successful travel app development.
Essential Features in Transit
Let’s start by understanding the essential features you’ll need for developing a travel app like Transit.
Travel Itinerary Generator
This feature allows users to create a proper travel plan by selecting the location they want to visit. It suggests the best routes along with alternate options based on user preferences.
Geo-Tracking Services
Users can get real-time transportation options by enabling GPS. This includes real-time information on vehicle locations, traffic, and disruptions.
Weather and Climate Forecasting
Unpredictable weather is the biggest threat to travel plans. By implementing a weather tracking feature in your app, you can alert your users about upcoming weather conditions and help them plan their trip accordingly.
Booking Services
Allow users to book tickets, hotels, car rentals, and other services directly from the app. As an incentive, you can provide rewards, loyalty programs, and discounts. You’ll need a secure payment gateway that offers multiple payment methods, such as PayPal, cards, net banking, etc.
In-App Language Translator
Users face communication barriers when traveling to other nations. An in-app translator will help them communicate with the locals and understand signs and menus.
For example, users can use the camera to detect a foreign language and translate it. They can also turn on the mic to record a foreign language and get a translation.
Currency Rate Converter
This feature can help users know the current exchange rates and convert their currency to the local one. It’s extremely beneficial for users who travel to other countries.
Offline Functionality
This feature is a must for travel app development. It’ll be very helpful for users who need urgent assistance in case of emergencies.
Challenges in Travel App Development
While developing an app like Transit is a lucrative opportunity, it still presents a bunch of challenges that can hinder your success. However, you can easily avoid them by being informed beforehand.
Soaring Competition
The travel app niche is highly competitive. Transit is already a big name you’ll be competing with. To stand out, you’ll need to offer something unique. It could be gamification, hyperpersonalization, AR/VR integration, etc.
User Retention
Travel apps are often used sporadically, depending on the user’s travel frequency and preferences. If the user isn’t traveling or planning to do so, he’ll most likely not use your app. You must offer something more than just travel planning to keep your users engaged. Maybe recommend some new attractions in the area.
Data Security
User location and payment details are two extremely sensitive pieces of data a travel app has. You’ve got to tell your development partner to implement encryption and authentication techniques to protect user data.
Secondly, you must comply with the data protection laws and regulations of the countries you operate in.
Travel App Development Cost
The cost of developing a travel app like Transit depends on multiple factors. This makes it impossible to give an exact number without knowing your exact requirements. However, we can provide you with rough estimations.
Here’s a cost breakdown of travel app development.
| Development Stage | Estimated Cost Range | Description |
| Market Research and Planning | $5,000 – $15,000 | Researching target audiences, competition, and defining goals. |
| UI/UX Design | $15,000 – $30,000 | Creating wireframes, mockups, and designing the app’s user interface. |
| Frontend and Backend Development | $50,000 – $150,000 | Building the app’s core functionality and server infrastructure. |
| Integration of Features | $15,000 – $40,000 | Incorporating features like real-time tracking, payment systems, etc. |
| Testing and Quality Assurance | $10,000 – $25,000 | Conducting thorough testing to ensure a smooth user experience. |
| Mobile App Deployment | $5,000 – $15,000 | Preparing and launching the app on iOS and Android platforms. |
| Marketing and User Acquisition | $20,000 – $50,000 | Promoting the app through various channels to attract users. |
| Ongoing Maintenance and Updates | $10,000 – $30,000 per year | Post-launch support, bug fixes, and continuous improvement. |
Total Estimated Development Cost: $125,000 – $335,000.
Keep in mind that these are just estimations, and the final cost will vary depending on your specific app requirements.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Travel App Development
The sure-shot way to develop a successful travel app is to hire an experienced mobile app development company. However, there are certain steps you need to follow to ensure you get your idea across correctly to potential developers.
Define App Requirements
Describe what your app will do and how it’ll do it. The app requirements will serve as the basis for your project. It’ll include the features, functionalities, quality standards, and timeframe of your app.
Conduct Market Research
Analyze the target audience, revenue models, strengths, and weaknesses of existing travel apps. This will tell you the gaps in the market that you can fill.
Create a Revenue Model
You need to figure out how your app will generate revenue to sustain itself. There are multiple ways you can monetize a travel app. This includes advertising, commissions, subscriptions, in-app purchases, and premium features. You need to choose the one that fits your app’s value proposition and user expectations.
Get the Necessary Permits
Address all the legal considerations, including data privacy regulations, terms of service, and any other legal requirements related to the travel app.
Set a Project Timeline
Define a realistic project timeline for the development process. Consider factors such as market timing, seasonality, and any specific events or promotions tied to the app’s release.
Keep in mind that the development company may change the project timeline if it’s not feasible.
Partner With a Development Company
By partnering with WDI, the top mobile app development company, you ensure that your project is completed in a streamlined manner. We have 20+ years of experience and all the necessary tools and technologies to execute your app idea. We know the ins and outs of creating a successful mobile app.
Contact WDI today to develop a travel app like Transit!
