The app features – which include real-time train times, alternative routes and accessibility options – will be developed further based on customer feedback.
With more people returning to public transport in London as the Government’s lockdown restrictions are gradually eased, Transport for London (TfL) has released a new travel app in a bid to make it easier for customers to plan their journeys.
The new iOS app provides real-time train times and information to enable travel at quieter times outside peak hours to help customers maintain social distancing. The app also offers alternative routes with walking and cycling options.
The app aims to improve accessibility information by including a ‘step-free’ mode to access easy-to-navigate views of all stations with street-to-platform accessibility. It shows where step-free access is available as well as step-free interchange between lines. Customers can also use the iOS VoiceOver and Dynamic Type capabilities to use the app.
TfL intends to release an Android version in the autumn, with further updates later in the year. New features will include live bus information, lift status and the location of toilets.
The app was designed and built in-house by TfL and uses the open data feeds freely provided to third party app developers and others. TfL’s online data portal is currently being updated to provide greater resilience and flexibility to developers to access and use the information in their own products and services.
Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “London’s transport network is central to life in our city and essential to our economic and social recovery from the pandemic.
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“We are helping passengers to travel safely around the capital by introducing a wide range of hygiene measures across the network, restoring public transport services to near-normal levels and creating more space for walking and cycling. However, coronavirus will continue to have a significant impact on the way we move around our city for the foreseeable future and we still need Londoners to work with us for everyone’s safety.
“This means continuing to maintain social distancing, wearing a face covering while using the network, avoiding travelling at peak times when you can, and walking and cycling where possible when arriving at mainline central London train stations.
“The rollout of TfL’s new app will help Londoners by equipping them with the information they need to make safe travel choices, whether it be for work or for leisure.”
Vernon Everitt, Managing Director of Customers, Communication and Technology at TfL, added: “This new app will help support our customers and London’s recovery from the pandemic as more people return to public transport. Our services are cleaner than ever and running at near normal levels and we are offering a wider range of active travel options, including extensive new walking and cycling facilities. This app offers Londoners the information they need to get around easily, safely and reliably.
“This new app will make it easy to travel at the quieter times, change your plans on the move should that be necessary and access information on walking and cycling routes. It will also make it easier for customers with accessibility needs to access as much of the network as possible.”
Originally published on: https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/103505/tfl-rolls-out-travel-app-to-help-passengers-plan-safe-accesible-journeys/
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