How ‘Pokémon GO’ Is Already Changing Transport And Mobility In The Real World


In just a couple of weeks, the new Pokémon GO app has already transformed our lives. Not only have people gotten off of the couch and into the “real world,” the new app has disrupted social media. Pokémon GO now has more social engagements than Facebook and more daily users than Twitter. Most of all, the BBC has reported that Pokémon GO has changed mobility.

Lets start with what is Pokémon GO and why is everyone so instantly addicted?

Although the original Pokémon came out in the 90s, new technology has transformed the Pokémon universe. This app game has you catching the adorable little Pokémon monsters as you walk around your house, neighborhood and beyond. Played on your smartphone, Pokémon GO has some of the same addictive and fun elements of geocaching, but with a few twists. First, the visuals are incredible! You are transported into a new reality. The cute little monsters look like they are really on your coffee cup or sitting on a bench because of AR, augmented reality. AR merges the virtual world with the real world, creating an entirely new dimension. Because these cartoon monsters can be anywhere, Pokémon GO players have left the comfort of their couch and have ventured into their real world. In order to catch the Pokémon, players need put on their hiking shoes or better yet, hop in their car, jump on their bike or take a bus to catch one of these coveted little cuties. All of this mobility means that scores of people are now disrupting current mobility trends in order to play Pokémon GO.

So, how has Pokémon GO already changed mobility? Public transportation has already embraced Pokémon GO. In Los Angeles, the Metro has already established a Twitter account advising players where the cute little monsters may be lurking. Their hints about Pokémon on trains and stops around Los Angeles is meant to encourage use of this public transportation, instead of adding to the infamous LA traffic jams.

How else has Pokémon GO changed mobility? People are hiring chauffeurs. Craigslist has scores of ads for Pokémon GO chauffeurs who want to play, not drive. This has a lot of appeal for those players who want to be comfortable and enjoy the process as they have fun and focus on the game. This also appeals to players who are more safety conscious and do not want to risk the health and safety (and expense!) of their passengers, or anyone they should encounter on the street. While there are plenty of chauffeurs advertising rides for around $15 per hour, those players with more luxurious tastes are also satisfied as there are drivers with upscale vehicles charging around $50 per hour. Everyone is covered!

One such Pokémon chauffeur spoke to Fusion on how impressed he has been with the new mobility. He pointed out how this new game has changed society by making players get out and see the world.

“The naysayers, I look at them and say, why not? Pokémon GO has done more for kids and adults than the government has done in 20 years. As much as people have said in the past, get off video games, look what it’s making people do.”

The new craze now is Pokémon road tripping. Players hop in the car and the whole gang ventures out into new terrain to play this new smartphone game app.

What is one of the unexpected benefits of this added mobility? All of this new public pedestrian and out-of-town traffic means that restaurants and food joints have reaped in some unexpected new customers.

Have you gotten into the Pokémon GO craze? Has playing this smartphone app changed your mobility?

[Photo by Brenda Chase Online USA Inc/Getty Images]

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