Transport for NSW will deliver real-time alerts for COVID-19-safe train travel through the Opal Travel app.
The alerts will enable passengers on Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro services to be alerted based on the capacity of the service they typically travel on, allowing commuters to make decisions to further social distancing.
The COVID-19 alerts are in addition to existing alerts on trackwork, delays, and major incidents.
NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said that the function would further enable safe use of public transport.
“The new feature is a world leading piece of innovation that uses real-time capacity and predictive data to help customers make better choices when travelling,” said Constance.
“We have already implemented the green dots across the network, and the notifications are another way we can help maintain physical distancing and keep people COVID safe.”
The new function was rolled out to the app in just 12 weeks and utilised data that already existed.
The developers of the alert function hope that the feature will make passengers feel more comfortable and safer when using public transport.
The alerts have been personalised based on the user’s preferences, and further feedback is hoped to help improve the design.
The Opal Travel app was updated with real-time departure information for public transport in October, similar to the information displayed on screen as stations. Other information such as vehicle position, transfer information, as well as disruptions such as trackwork or delays are also now available through the app.
These function further integrate customer information within the Opal Travel app. While passengers were able to use third party apps for real time travel data, Opal payment functions were only accessible through the Opal Travel App.
The function is expected to roll out to light rail, ferry, and bus passengers in the near future.
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