RET, the leading public transport company in the Rotterdam region, serves thousands of passengers daily across metro, tram, and bus networks. With a strong commitment to comfort, safety, and atmosphere, RET partnered with Zaluti to elevate the passenger experience through scent marketing. By introducing carefully designed scent machines in selected metro stations, Zaluti created a more pleasant and calming environment—transforming ordinary waiting areas into welcoming spaces that promote comfort and wellbeing.
*Cover photo, photographer: E. Fecken
“We want travellers to feel welcome and at ease in our stations. That is why, among other things, we successfully use fragrance on the platforms as a way to make waiting more pleasant. At the same time, we address unpleasant odours in the metro lifts by neutralising them professionally. This approach significantly improves the atmosphere in our stations and shows that we pay attention to detail in the service we provide to our travellers.”
— RET Experience Manager
photo credits: Rick Keus
About RET
- Sector: Public transport
- Location: Rotterdam
- Number of locations: Several metro stations and lifts
- Website: https://www.ret.nl
What is the scent of RET?
The chosen scent is Blue Ocean:
A fresh, ocean-inspired fragrance that evokes clarity, calmness, and spaciousness — perfectly suited for a bustling environment where many people travel every day.
How scent marketing improves the metro travel experience
RET wanted to make their stations feel more welcoming. Waiting areas can sometimes feel impersonal or uncomfortable, especially during peak hours. By incorporating scent, RET aimed to transform these neutral spaces into places that offer more comfort and a sense of care.
The goal was clear: make passengers feel better while waiting. Zaluti was brought in to implement scent as part of RET’s hospitality approach.
Why RET chose Zaluti scent machines for public transport
Together with Zaluti, RET selected the Zaluti Air:1 Pro Bluetooth scent machines in anthracite grey. These machines offer precise scent diffusion and were tested on-site, taking into account airflows at several metro stations.
The chosen scent, Blue Ocean, is fresh, soft, and gently floral. It evokes feelings of cleanliness and safety without being overpowering. By placing the machines strategically in air circulation zones, a consistent and even scent experience was achieved.
photo credits: Joachim Kost
What is the effect of scent on passenger comfort?
The effect of scent was quickly noticeable. Passengers reported feeling more at ease, and the perceived waiting time felt shorter. The combination of floral and citrus tones added a sense of comfort to an otherwise functional space.
Discover the power of scent marketing for your space
Scent marketing has the unique ability to turn ordinary spaces into places people remember. Whether it’s a metro station, office, or public building, the right scent creates comfort, recognition, and calm. RET’s story shows how subtle sensory details can make a lasting difference in how people feel and move through a space — one breath at a time.
