Raileasy, an online retailer of train tickets, and Thales UK, a technology solutions specialist, have unveiled a new version of Thales’ Rail Planner Live system, a personalised real-time planning tool for rail travellers.

Published: 03 Oct 2011

Raileasy, an online retailer of train tickets, and Thales UK, a technology solutions specialist, have unveiled a new version of Thales’ Rail Planner Live system, a personalised real-time planning tool for rail travellers.

The latest version offers live ticketing functionality direct from a mobile phone.

According to an official release, Rail Planner Live is the only Android app to provide real-time information, fare searching and instant ticket sales, in addition to delivering live train running information with train times, updates about delays and cancellations, live departure boards, fare information, SMS alerts and a homepage widget.

It is being highlighted that the focus has been on convenience and simplicity. From a text alert system that notifies customers about delays to their journeys to the ‘Get Me Home’ function that allows them to find the most direct route back from anywhere in the UK, Rail Planner Live is geared around simplifying rail travel and providing an accurate, on-the-go service that travellers can rely on.

The app also integrates with customers’ existing online Journey Planner website accounts.

“While working with National Rail Enquiries on Rail Planner Live, we noticed that most travellers visit the website prior to setting out on their journey,” said Alistair McPhee, head of Thales UK’s transportation systems business. “We realised there was an opportunity to provide travellers with the same kind of information they look for before they start their journey while they are on the move. Raileasy had the technology we needed to bring this to life.”

As a rail ticketing booking engine, Raileasy displays the cheapest price, or most flexible fare, for each journey in the customer’s preferred time bands.

“Raileasy’s application programming interface (API) allowed us to create a booking engine on a small mobile screen, whilst managing the backend requirements of the UK rail system,” says George Sikking, Managing Director, Raileasy. “With Thales UK’s insight into the habits of rail travellers, we’ve be able to deliver an app that truly improves the experience for anyone travelling by train in the UK.”

Raileasy is currently achieving a turnover of around £40million on an annual basis, selling the equivalent of approximately a million transactions per year. The UK passenger rail market was estimated last year to be worth approximately £6.2 billion.