Train passengers can now get live updates on delays and cancellations to their Facebook Messenger
You can input up to 10 journeys you want to monitor at any one time - whether that's a weekly commute or a one-off trip
TRAIN passengers will now be alerted if their journey is delayed or cancelled by Facebook Messenger - but it's only a six month trial to begin with.
Under the scheme, rail users will be sent instant notifications if their train is cancelled or if it's delayed by at least 10 per cent of the journey time, plus three minutes.
So if, for example, you have a 30 minute commute, you'll only be told about a delay if it's going to make you at least six minutes late.
If you've got a one hour journey, you won't be told about the delay unless it's at least nine minutes over schedule.
The service will also include tailored information on alternative routes you could take instead.
But what the app can't always do is tell you the reason why your train has been delayed or cancelled.
Alex Froom, head of product at Zipabout - which worked with rail firms to develop the service - said: “For years Twitter has been the main source of information for those looking for minute by minute information on travel news.
"While Twitter is a great information tool people don’t want to scroll endlessly through news feeds to find out about delays to journeys that may not be relevant to them.”
To get the free service, you just need to sign up via the or the and make sure you have access to .
Once that's done, you can input up to 10 journeys you want to monitor at any one time - whether that's a weekly commute or a one-off trip.
And if you're on holiday, you can switch off the alerts until you're back.
Anyone across the country can sign up to the trial over the next six months and rail companies are expected to make a decision in June 2019 on whether the service is here to stay.
Crispin Humm from National Rail, said: “This new tool will provide customers with useful and relevant information so that they will feel in control of their journeys.”
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