The call by Tiket for developers to take advantage of its API was immediately answered by DyCode. The Bandung-based company has created two identical apps called Tiket Kereta, one for the Asha and another for the Asha Full Touch. The different versions address the different operating systems running on the two Asha lines. Using this app, Nokia Asha users won’t need to go through too much trouble in purchasing their train tickets especially during homecoming season such as right now. The apps are free from Nokia Store.

Having these apps for Nokia Asha adds to the practicality of ticket purchases after the state train company PT KAI launched its online ticket reservation recently. The online booking methods debuted on the 3rd of August on the company’s website followed by Tiket.com. Tiket has given access to developers to use its API to be implemented in all sorts of different apps and platforms with a revenue sharing scheme for each sale. Tiket Kereta is one of the first apps to take up this offer.

Tiket Kereta itself is simple enough and focused on its primary purpose which it to make it easier for travelers to purchase train tickets using their phones. Consumers can pay using bank transfers via Bank Mandiri and BCA. This app also supports direct purchase through KlikBCA for BCA customers.

While I have yet to try this app, it’s an interesting diversification considering that the majority of train travelers are from the middle consumer segment. Nokia Asha is the leader in feature phones when everyone else have made the move to smartphones. Based on Q2 financials, Nokia has managed to sell 73.5 million Asha phones globally in the last three months.

[Image from Flickr/bagus_cc20330]