Tube and London Overground passengers can now receive automatic alerts about network delays via Twitter’s Direct Message facility.
Transport for London operates Twitter accounts for each of its travel modes but passengers wanting to check the service status must currently go online and manually check for updates.
However a pilot launched today by TfL and Twitter will allow anyone following the London Overground, TfL Rail, Central line and District line accounts to opt-in for automatic alerts which will arrive in their DM inbox, on their computer and on their mobile device.
Users can also choose which time of the day they’d like to receive alerts, allowing them to avoid unnecessary messages outside of commuting hours or at weekends if they don’t need them.
To opt in, customers can visit http://tfl.gov.uk/twitter-alerts and select the lines for which they would like information. Today’s pilot is the first of its kind and TfL will assess feedback over the summer before deciding whether to extend the service.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, described the service as “an innovative way of providing people with live updates from the Underground”.
Announcing the new alert service Phil Young, Head of Online at TfL, said: “The reliability of TfL services is at a record high, but disruption does sometimes occur. Getting the latest travel information direct to customers when and where they want it is key to enabling them to avoid delays.
“Millions of Londoners use apps powered by our free open data, alongside our website, to check the Tube, find a bus or see how the roads are running and this world-first partnership with Twitter is a fantastic way of ensuring our data helps keep our customers informed.”
Dara Nasr, Managing Director, Twitter UK, added: “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with TfL to make it more simple and convenient for commuters to receive important news about their journey.
“Up to the minute information around severe disruption is a daily must-have for everyone, and the live nature of Twitter is the perfect companion for this.
“Whether you’re on Twitter already or thinking about joining, we would urge you to try this new service out as it will prove essential in avoiding delays.
“We’re committed to continuing to make Twitter the simplest everyday utility to access key public information, be that transport or beyond.”
