Tram passengers can now use their phones to plan journeys on Greater Manchester’s Metrolink network.
A free smartphone application has been launched by transport chiefs to give passengers the latest service updates at their fingertips.
In the future, the app is expected to also give passengers real-time data on the location of trams and tell them how long they will have to wait at Metrolink stations.
David Hytch, TfGM information systems director, said: "Some 20 million passenger journeys are made on Metrolink each year and our new app will be a great resource for all those passengers, whether they are living in, working in or just visiting the city."
Passengers can use the app to plan journeys, work out travel times and find the nearest stop.
The app, developed by Wilmslow-based firm mxData Ltd, has already been downloaded more than 12,000 times.
Philip Purdy, TfGM Metrolink director, said: "The app will offer passengers a new way to quickly and easily plan their journey, with stop locations and a map of current and future Metrolink lines available right in their hand.
"We are also planning to roll out a new tram management system across the Metrolink network, which will ultimately lead to real-time passenger information at all stops
"The new app will provide an excellent way to share this information with passengers."
The M.E.N. told last month how another smartphone app was being developed to give real-time data on buses and trains as well as trams.
It alerts passengers if they are about to miss a connection and allows them to re-plan their journeys.
That app has undergone trials using 120 buses in Bury but is not expected to be launched until next year.
Go to http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/manchester-metrolink/id422875110?mt=8 to get the app. It is available from the app store for both iPhone and iPad and will also be available from Blackberry World, Android Market and the OVI store for Nokia.
Readers can use also the QR code image seen below to download the free Metrolink app. A QR code reader app – usually free – is needed to scan the code.
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Real Time Information - Thats easily done ....................................
"Due to an earlier incidnet some passenger may face delays of up to 20 minutes"
There you go - simples !!!
I've got this app - its pointless until it gives you times of trams.
As a new user of the tram service I cant believe how there is not (at each station) a display board that tells you when the next trams are arriving. Also, the sooner they install an 'oyster card' type system the better.
Other than that, I love the tram!
That's a joke! What's the point in this App when the trams are constantly breaking down. Or indeed not running at all. Metrostink loves publicity, yet they can't deliver.
If it actually gave useful information it'd be a good idea - so you can PLAN to use alternative transport when it isn't working. Come on people it isn't rocket science!
"In the future, the app is expected to also give passengers real-time data on the location of trams"
Misread this and downloaded the app. So at the moment it's just an app version of the website.
I can't speak for other versions of the app, but the Android one has been put together so sloppily, it feels like a port of the iPhone version without any sort of optimisation or regard for Android's user interface guidelines.
The real-time information seems like it'd be the biggest feature and it isn't even present in the current version, a project like this should be used by a closed group of testers until it's feature-complete at least.
Going public this early will give users a bad experience and very few will give it a second chance.
dont get what the problem is people are having. Click on the live info button and you get to see delays to service. Also tells you what service is running i.e. a six minute service is operating on the Bury and Altrincham line. Therefore, you're gonna have to wait oooh about 6 minutes at the most for the next tram.
Latest service updates???
According to the app, the new line to Chorlton isn't open yet!
Hmmmmm. It looks more like a crossword puzzle to me, where are the clues?
Does it tell you if any inspectors are on the tram. so i'll know if to buy a ticket or not...
Android version running on Desire crashes when trying to run route planner,
Personally it is not put together that well for quick use as the entry boxes seem quite small and as previous people have said its almost pointless until they bring the new tram management system live for the whole network which will allow you to see real time updates.
Manchester needs to get its act together and bring together a much more seamless transport system with tram, bus and train all available with smartcard (Oystercard).
I know people keep saying its slower to get the smaller bus companies to introduce however this is what Transport for Manchester should be pushing.
With petrol and car parking prices increasing they should be looking at ways to increase usage of public transport and ways to reduce costs.
The 'live info' displays have been installed on platforms for over a year - not even plugged in yet. Yup they love publicity (and huge wages) but can't hack it on the delivery side.
If you're waiting for a bus or Tube in London you know exactly how long you're going to wait via a live display. Even in Sheffield & Newcastle, the Metro has a live display. Yet we don't. We were sold a pup with this unreliable, backward system.
As has been said the androd app does not work - it crashes when you try to put a route in - not very impressive
DO THE CCTV CAMERAS WORK AND ARE THEY SWITCHED ON?
Whats the point of this afterall there is a tram every 6 mins I'm led to believe!
Here`s a crazy idea,why not just display it on the electronic message boards at the tram stops???????
Oh hang on,most of them arent connected so no messages are displayed,unless you are at media city!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
The app seems pretty representative of the metrolink system as a whole. Clunky, all show and doesn't work.
What a fabulous name!!!!
"David Hytch, TfGM information systems director"
Technical Hytch? All trams cancelled! :O(
Will the app crash my phone!!! Da-dum - tish! I'm here all week folks!