Industry first disruption dodging tool launches

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.

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.

TrainMapper 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 improve customer experience on the east coast.

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.

The tool will display maps and information that will 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

“We know how frustrating it can be when services are delayed, which is why we’re not only investing in our stations and trains, but also in new technology that we hope will help customers make decisions about how they travel,” commented Warrick Dent, Safety and Operations at Virgin Trains on the east coast.