Brit rail passengers can now receive alerts by WhatsApp when their train is delayed or cancelled
UK train passengers can now get alerts via WhatsApp if their trip is delayed or cancelled.
Further information about train issues, different routes to take and how busy carriages are can all be sent via the messaging app thanks to a collaboration with Zipabout.
Similar alerts were previously avaliable via Facebook Messenger.
To sign up to the service you need to go to the National Rail Enquiries website.
Plan your train journey on the site and click the “Keep me updated by WhatsApp” option.
Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “This is a brilliant new way of making rail journeys even easier.
“By sending helpful updates through the apps people already use, passengers can get the information they need quickly, simply and wherever they are on the rail network.”
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Passengers travelling through Wigan, Preston, London, Glasgow, Swindon, Manchester, and Havant, could also get a free drink or snack if they plan their journey using the Alert Me by Messenger or WhatsApp service.
Zipabout chief executive Alex Froom said: "It’s great to see Zipabout’s new Loyalty and Rewards feature being used by transport operators to improve customer experience and loyalty, and drive growth.
"By connecting them with brands and retailers, we’re empowering them to reward and incentivise sustainable travel and help kickstart a green-led economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.”
Zipabout is a UK-based firm that can provide customised travel information.
It's hoped the service can help people smoothly return to work and school after the summer holidays.
So far, almost three million personalised journey updates have been sent during the pandemic.
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