National Rail Enquiries launches mobile site for instant rail updates on the move

National Rail Enquiries (www.nationalrail.co.uk) (NRE) has launched a new version of its site optimised for mobile users (http://m.nationalrail.co.uk/), providing rail travellers everywhere with instant access to up-to-the minute train information in the palm of their hand.

The mobile site boasts a new look and feel aligned with the main NRE website and offers commuters and other rail passengers a vastly enhanced user experience through stripped-down code, delivering super slick page load times and easy to access real-time information.

Since going live with the new version, access to the main NRE website from mobile devices has gone down by 29 per cent, while usage of the mobile version is up 129 per cent. The number of unique mobile visitors has also increased by 267 per cent.

Designed and built by digital agency Fortune Cookie (www.fortunecookie.co.uk) , the new site also makes information about travel disruptions, especially during bad weather, easier and quicker to find and introduces the ‘station picker’ drop down list to mobile visitors for the first time. Mobile users can also access station information to find out about local facilities, such as car parking and refreshments.

Chris Scoggins, Chief Executive of NRE, says: “We’ve seen usage of our mobile site increase significantly over six months and people using the main NRE website on mobile devices has more than doubled in the last year, showing a trend towards greater mobile access. But there was clearly a need for the mobile site to replicate the main website much more closely. The new version delivers a far superior user experience, and we’ll be introducing further enhancements on an ongoing basis. Early feedback and uptake of the new site have been extremely encouraging.”

Justin Cooke, CEO of Fortune Cookie and Chair of BIMA, adds: “The mobile version of one of Britain’s busiest travel websites wholeheartedly supports Fortune Cookie’s ethos: improving the digital world to make the real world a better place. Mobile usage will only continue to grow and the mobile NRE site will only continue to improve. Of course, we cannot guarantee that rail travellers won’t suffer delays and disruptions, but we can guarantee they’ll know instantly about anything that affects normal service wherever they are and from whatever mobile device they’re using.”

Test the new mobile site: http://m.nationalrail.co.uk/ <http://m.nationalrail.co.uk/pj/pj>

For more information about National Rail Enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk <http://www.nationalrail.co.uk> .

FACTFILE:

National Rail Enquiries (NRE) is the definitive source of information for all passenger rail services on the National Rail network in England, Wales and Scotland. NRE is part of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), which is responsible for providing business services to the Train Operating Companies. NRE handles an average of 1.3 million journey enquiries every day either through their contact centres or self service channels.

Passengers get chance to have their say on rail services

Train operating company First TransPennine Express (FTPE) will be holding a ‘Meet the Manager’ session at Manchester Airport Railway Station.

The event will be held on Monday 23rd May and is intended at giving local passengers the chance to offer any feedback regarding their train service.

Customers and interested parties are invited to come along and meet Station Manager, Paul Jackson, who is responsible for the operation of the station and the service provided to customers by FTPE at Manchester Airport.

A number of senior representatives from FTPE will be on hand to answer any questions between 17:00 and 18:30 hrs. Customers will be able to discuss all elements of the train service they receive from FTPE, including station facilities, punctuality and reliability of services and the overall experience whilst on board an FTPE train.

Paul Jackson, FTPE Station Manager for Manchester Airport, said; “This is a great opportunity for our customers to come in and let us know how we’re doing.

“We are committed to improving the services available for passengers and think they will appreciate the chance to meet and discuss their experiences while travelling with FTPE.”