Timetables: apps and maps

I like printed timetables and departure sheets at stations (Open Access, RAIL 963), but they are misleading when the ‘normal service’ is altered due to weather events, track or train problems, staff shortages, or drops in demand.

I have found the National Rail app useful and reliable. ‘Live trains’ deals with single workings and simple trips for the current day. ‘Planner’ deals with potential journeys involving changes, alternative routes and fares, and dates into the future.

On ‘Live trains’, for example, it is helpful to see if the train I want at my local station has left its start point and is coming towards me.

There is also Google maps with public transport selected. Zoom in to a station (or bus or tram stop), and upcoming departures can be seen. Details include platform numbers and calls en route, plus a map with the route.

Any display can be ‘screengrabbed’ - a photocopy, if you like, to your own spec. It is useful on the move and as a record in case of disputes, as any such ‘photo’ is time-and-date-stamped.

I am not a nerdy early adopter. When a work colleague proudly

showed me his new phone years ago, I teased him that I already had a phone, plugged into the wall at home. And I didn’t need to carry it around.

Nowadays, however, a phone is part of my travel kit, along with house keys, spare specs and sensible shoes.

Having said all that, the railway needs to ensure that there is reliable WiFi across the network.

And the info which travellers need could be greatly simplified if timetables were more regular. But that’s another story…

Keith Rogers, Stockport