Virgin Trains has launched an industry first tool aimed at helping customers avoid rail disruption on their journey and get to their destination. TrainMapper, powered by Google Maps and National Rail Enquiries, will allow passengers to check in real-time travel information, delay predictions and find alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in disruption.
Where previously customers needed to check individual train operator websites, social media or even go to the station to get up to date travel information and alternative routes, TrainMapper is a one-stop-shop available in the palm of their hands. The tool displays disruption on all operators and will not only help customers spot where any problems might delay their journey, but also predict how long the delay might be and show what routes they can take instead. The aim is to put more information in the hands of customers, meaning they can make decisions about alternative routes if their original journey is disrupted.
The tool displays maps and information that allow customers to see: a colour-coded guide to how severe any disruption is and an indication of how it might affect journeys; alternative routes they can take around any disruption that is expected to last longer than 30 minutes; arrival and departure information for each station; views of stations and information about facilities.
The tool has been developed by Virgin Trains, Southeastern and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and displays disruption information for passengers across the UK’s rail network. It will be available exclusively to Virgin Trains customers on its east coast website and app for three months. During this time, users will be invited to submit feedback on the launch version which will be used to inform later updates to the tool. After three months, it will be made available to other train operators, for them to roll out to customers.
Virgin Trains has majority-funded the development of the tool from its £25m Innovation Fund which aims to revolutionise the customer experience on the east coast and pave the way for other train operators to do the same. Customers will be able to access the TrainMapper via the Virgin Trains East Coast mobile app or website and it can be used from common devices such as tablet, mobile and laptop/desktop.
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