Help participate in creating a new modern real time train tracking application for Android

[LukeP]

Hello,

A little over two years ago I started using the train for commuting to university and work, using the National Rail Enquires Android app to get service times and track trains. However I found the app was outdated and sluggish and wanted to build a modern and fresh replacement, where I've also seen other forum members looking for a good-quality train time tracking mobile application.

After spending a little over a year in development, I've reached the stage where I'd love people to take a look, share feedback and test the app out. If you're interested in participating in an alpha trial, taking place on Android devices, then please complete the alpha registration link here and I'll get back to you.

If there are any features you would to see in a train tracking application, then please let me know in this thread and I'll keep a list of them.

Thank you.

Note: This project is non-commercial and will be released on the Google Play Store for free and with no advertisements. This is simply a personal project, using user feedback to improve the app with additional features. Moderator permission has been granted for this post.

 

[ta-toget]

Hello,

A little over two years ago I started using the train for commuting to university and work, using the National Rail Enquires Android app to get service times and track trains. However I found the app was outdated and sluggish and wanted to build a modern and fresh replacement, where I've also seen other forum members looking for a good-quality train time tracking mobile application.

After spending a little over a year in development, I've reached the stage where I'd love people to take a look, share feedback and test the app out. If you're interested in participating in an alpha trial, taking place on Android devices, then please complete the alpha registration link here and I'll get back to you.

If there are any features you would to see in a train tracking application, then please let me know in this thread and I'll keep a list of them.

Thank you.

Note: This project is non-commercial and will be released on the Google Play Store for free and with no advertisements. This is simply a personal project, using user feedback to improve the app with additional features. Moderator permission has been granted for this post.

That looks interesting. I might sign up at some point soon…

Is Project IceCloud a temporary name, or the final one? I only ask as it doesn't seem train-related.

As for features, how about progress or delay notifications for a specific service? These could either be recurring, or only on one day, or could be for a set route rather than a specific service. Platform tracking (with platform alterations) would be useful. And perhaps to share times etc. (Could be used if someone is meeting you off the train, you can share a link to the train you're on, and they can follow it to access updates. Might be more complicated if it is app-only…). I think those are all I can think of for now.

 

[Jona26]

Curious to know how your app be any different to the many tracker/running apps and websites that are already available.

Please don't think me rude by saying that - I'd genuinely like to know.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I too would be interested. Can you spill the beans on what would be on offer?

 

[LukeP]

That looks interesting. I might sign up at some point soon…

Is Project IceCloud a temporary name, or the final one? I only ask as it doesn't seem train-related.

As for features, how about progress or delay notifications for a specific service? These could either be recurring, or only on one day, or could be for a set route rather than a specific service. Platform tracking (with platform alterations) would be useful. And perhaps to share times etc. (Could be used if someone is meeting you off the train, you can share a link to the train you're on, and they can follow it to access updates. Might be more complicated if it is app-only…). I think those are all I can think of for now.

Project IceCloud is indeed a temporary name whilst the app is still in development.

Notifications for static/one-off services is the first 'after-launch' feature that I want to add, followed by 'subscribing' to regular timetabled services - although as some TOCs are still on temporary timetables this might be a little difficult. Platform alternation notifications is something I haven't of though of, will add this to this list. Will think of the best way of implementing sharing of services, and prioritise accordingly.

Thanks for your suggestions!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Aug 2020 ==

Curious to know how your app be any different to the many tracker/running apps and websites that are already available.

Please don't think me rude by saying that - I'd genuinely like to know.

In essence it'll work like most tracking apps - just with a simpler and nicer interface that say NRE app. Over time, with the help of users, additional features will be added. The way I may use or what I want out of a train tracking application may be different to what others want.

 

[mmh]

Notifications for static/one-off services is the first 'after-launch' feature that I want to add, followed by 'subscribing' to regular timetabled services - although as some TOCs are still on temporary timetables this might be a little difficult.

I would really like that as a feature, especially if the status of subscribed services could be displayed on a single screen. Quite often I'll be somewhere and I want to check multiple trains to decide my plans. Even on the best of the TOC apps this involves an annoying amount of back and forth!

 

[Melancholia]

Submitted. I look forward to trying it out, and helping with development