Coronavirus: Want to avoid busy train services? This tool will be able to help
A new warning system will allow train passengers to avoid busy services - increasing the chance of them being able to follow social distancing measures.
From today, National Rail will begin displaying red or yellow warning triangles on its app and website next to services that are expected to be in high demand.
The system will use journey planning trends analysis and messages from rail staff at stations and on trains to determine how busy services will be.
Users will also be asked to notify National Rail about which particular service they intend to take.
It is hoped the system will mean more people staggering their journeys as demand increases with coronavirus lockdown restrictions easing.
Passengers can be kept updated about disruption and overcrowding on their journey and receive alternative travel options.
Alerts will be received via Facebook Messenger at first, with text message and WhatsApp updates available in the coming weeks.
Train companies have also published the busiest times to and from major stations to help people plan.
Services were heavily reduced when the lockdown was introduced in March but have been increased slightly as more people have been encouraged to go into work if they cannot work from home.
Overcrowding has been a major issue on some trains, with the RMT transport union threatening to halt services to protect workers and passengers.
On Thursday, the government introduced mandatory face coverings on public transport - with fines for those who do not comply.
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Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at industry body the Rail Delivery Group, said the technology will help passengers stagger their journeys and stay safe.
He said: "The eyes and ears of thousands of front line staff will let us know if stations or trains are getting busy while cutting-edge data analysis will help us predict spikes in demand, giving passengers the advice they need in the palm of their hands.
"While people should only go by train if their journey is really necessary, those who do need to travel should sign up for alerts from National Rail and, before setting off, pop online to check the very latest information and avoid the busiest times.
"We also ask everyone travelling to wear a face covering to prevent the spread of the virus."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said train capacity had been reduced to about a fifth - so for people who cannot work from home, they should stagger their travel times to avoid crowds and use other forms of transport when possible.
He said: "For those who need to use the train, it is fantastic to see innovative digital services rolled out to help keep them safe while on the move.
"Harnessing data and new technology will be crucial both to enable social distancing now, and to modernise the network for the future."
The Office of Rail and Road said 51 million fewer journeys were made on Britain's railways in the first three months of the year compared with the same period in 2019.
