UK trains arrive on the iPhone

Commuters using the iPhone or iPod Touch can get real-time travel information

National Rail Enquiries has rolled out a new application to allow iPhone and iPod Touch users to obtain travel information using GPS functionality built into the devices.

With the new system, commuters can get real-time rail journey planning information, as well as live train progress, platform changes, delays and cancellations across the UK rail network.

“This is the equivalent of sat-nav for passenger rail – it enables you to find your nearest station and plan your journey home at the touch of a screen,” said National Rail Enquiries web development manager Ra Wilson.

With the GPS technology, the iPhone application finds the traveller’s location and plans the best route to any given destination in the network. It also allows users to save regular journeys for quick planning and the ability to save favourite stations for quick access to departure and arrival information.

The software has been developed in conjunction with supplier Agant and can be purchased online from Apple’s iTunes App Store or directly from the devices. Further upgrades will be added in later versions and will be available free of charge.