Andrew Dismore

• New app provides live journey information, including easy-to-navigate ‘step-free’ options, as service levels return to near normal levels
• TfL Go enables customers to plan the best routes and travel outside peak times to help with social distancing 
• App offers walking and cycling options
• Harry Beck Tube map brought into the digital age for use on mobile devices while customers are on the move
• Future updates to provide additional live bus information and lift status, along with an Android version available by autumn

Services on TfL’s Tube, rail and bus services have been restored to normal levels during weekdays and near-normal levels at weekends. The new iPhone app provides real-time train times in a mobile-friendly way and information to enable travel at quieter times outside peak hours to help customers maintain social distancing. The app also offers alternative routes and walking and cycling options. These features will develop further based on customer feedback.

Making travel easier for Londoners with accessibility needs is a top priority for TfL. The app improves 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 in one direction and step-free interchange between lines and opens up more of London to customers with accessibility needs. Customers can also use the iOS VoiceOver and Dynamic Type capabilities to use the app.

The new app builds on recent changes to customer information, such as the return to normal service level information displayed on TfL’s service status boards and on-line journey planner. With the vast majority of Tube stations providing free Wi-Fi and the recent pilot of 4G on the eastern section of the Jubilee line, Londoners will also be able to access TfL Go’s journey information while on the move.

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. Further datasets, such as better accessibility data which was developed for the TfL Go app, will be added to this portal later this year.