People & Culture Employee Stories

Transforming Payment in Public Transport through Collaboration

One of our most exciting projects in 2024 was driven by a large, cross-functional team, whose collaboration and dedication have been key to its success. Michaela, Mathias, and Pankaj were part of this international team and have shared their insights on this inspiring journey.

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Michaela, Mathias, Pankaj | Senior Product Manager, Product Lead, Software Engineer Jun 17, 2024 6 min

Keeping people in flow. With payments made for them.

This project in 2024 has been revamping public transport ticketing in Berlin together with BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe), the nation’s largest public transport organization. It was our ambition to make ticketing in Germany a simpler, safer, and more efficient process.

By successfully integrating our innovative payment solutions into BVG’s ticketing apps, we’re providing a customer-friendly experience for Berlin’s commuters, tourists and occasional riders whilst simultaneously driving the digitalization of public transport ticketing.

The Importance of Teamwork

Michaela, a person with long brown hair and glasses is sitting comfortably on a brown leather sofa. They are wearing a gray sweater, blue jeans, and colorful socks with a floral pattern. Their legs are bent and resting on a round ottoman. They are focused on working on a black laptop. In the background, light curtains can be seen, and white pillows are placed on the sofa.

Envision. Persevere. Achieve.

Michaela | Senior Product Manager

Hi, I'm Michaela. I joined Riverty three and a half years ago as a Management Associate and am now working as a Senior Product Manager for our Ticketing Payments Product in Stockholm. Working on this project was incredibly rewarding. In 2022, we set out to change the game in public transport ticketing with our initial product proposal for BVG. This endeavor was particularly meaningful to me, combining the sustainable impact of public transportation with a seamless, human-centric payment experience. We started small, using a lean startup approach, and quickly launched our product despite certain challenges. Thanks to the commitment of our team, we significant milestones in a short time frame.

When we presented our solution and services to BVG, our focus was on demonstrating the real impact we could deliver. Seeing BVG recognize the added value and commit to our proposal was not just a win—it reinforced our belief in what we bring to the table. That moment marked a major step forward for us.

Mathias, a person with short brown-gray hair, a full beard, and brown glasses stands with crossed arms in a modern office. They are wearing a black T-shirt and looking confidently at the camera. In the background, large windows, bright walls, and some office chairs are visible.

Collaborate. Innovate. Transform.

Mathias | Product Lead

Hi, I'm Mathias. Joining Riverty’s Berlin team two and a half years ago as the Product Lead for Ticket Payments was a pivotal moment in my professional journey and has allowed me to channel my experience into something truly transformative. Helping to pioneer this project in our cross-functional team has been one of the highlights of my career. In our ambition to transform public transport ticketing, the team worked closely together, leveraging our different backgrounds and skills to notable success.

When the BVG team saw the potential and decided to move forward with us, it was a defining moment that showcased our ability to take the lead and drive meaningful change. This project also had evolutionary implications for our team as we embraced the principles of agile and lean working which promote collaboration, flexibility, and customer feedback. This enabled us to streamline our processes whilst fostering teamwork, adaptability, and innovation.

Synergize. Empower. Grow.

Pankaj | Software Engineer

Hi, I’m Pankaj. I joined Riverty’s Tallinn team as a Software Engineer nearly three years ago, a decision motivated by the organization's ambition to be at the forefront of product innovation.

Now working in Berlin, the opportunity to be part of a company with global reach and influence within FinTech is truly energizing, and allows us to engage in inspiring, forward-thinking projects. My focus was engineering BVG’s ticketing product aimed at enhancing the daily consumer experience. Rather than restricting roles and responsibilities, Riverty encourages involvement across the product platform development process.

Furthermore, our focus on interdepartmental collaboration allows us to work with experts in various fields which advances our development in using the current tech stack. It also enhances our expertise in the latest distributed platforms whilst integrating cutting-edge solutions, like our Phoenix platform and Paygate.

Memorable Milestones

One of our most memorable moments for this new Riverty product was the successful launch of BVG's latest FahrInfo-App, which, with a customer base of 6 million users, has facilitated route planning and ticket purchasing for Berlin’s public transport network for the last decade. To build our new product from scratch and onboard BVG within a six-month timeline, we integrated multiple payment methods, including Credit Card, Direct Debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal via our Ticket Payment API.

This advanced setup through the Phoenix platform was a first for Riverty, and seeing our team's efforts come to life was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we were enhancing the daily experience of thousands of passengers was a proud moment for all of us. Following the success of the FahrInfo-App, we were proud to go live with the second BVG’s Ticket-App at the end of 2024, with a ticket volume purchase twice as big as the first app. Since launch of the product, Riverty’s payments have now supported over one million public transport transactions - a monumental achievement for our team and for the organization.

Three people are chatting and laughing in a modern kitchen. One person with long brown hair is standing with their back to the camera, gesturing. Another person with glasses, a beard, and a checkered shirt is cutting fruit and looking towards the first person. The third person, with long hair, glasses, and a white turtleneck sweater, leans against the kitchen island, holding a black mug and laughing. On the countertop, there are bowls of fruit and vegetables, as well as pots with fresh herbs. Sunlight streams through the window, illuminating the scene.

Embracing Riverty’s Culture

What excites us most about Riverty is the supportive and collaborative culture. For us, it’s all about synergy, working together in ways that make the whole greater than the sum of individual contributions. The international atmosphere and energy of our colleagues keep us motivated and inspired every day, and Riverty’s focus on trust and flexibility allows us to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Our team’s journey embodies Riverty’s core values of collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity. Riverty’s commitment to creating an accommodating, empowering environment has been instrumental in achieving our goals. By embracing diverse perspectives and harnessing our collective strengths, we’ve created a product that not only supports eco-friendly transport but also enhances the user experience of thousands of customers.

Join Us

At Riverty, every journey is unique. Along the way, you'll experience moments that define your personal and professional path. We foster collaboration, understanding, and inclusivity, creating a flexible environment that empowers you to shape your own success.

If you're looking for a place to grow, co-create, and make a meaningful impact, Riverty is where you want to be. Join us. Let’s shape the future of FinTech together. Our journey is testament to the power of teamwork, innovation, communication, and dedication.

Whatever your path at Riverty may be. Together, we shape financial services. Turning them into a sustainable force. For everyone's growth.

Let’s shape new ways to grow. Let’s shape Riverty.