Converting a driver on to the train - ease of apps helps!

[Howardh]

Managed to convert my builder from leisure driving to catching the train. He complains about high fuel prices, parking charges at P+R's and the inconvenience of using the bus, plus continual delays on the roads caused by accidents etc.

He managed to buy a 2-person railcard, and by using the apps/engines found how easy it was, that "even the platform is shown" - think he was scared of getting the wrong platform, wrong train etc. "Put in departing station, arriving station, and it does it all for you!"

Maybe that's what advertising should concentrate on; obviously what railcards are available and advance fares, but also and underlined how easy it is to navigate your way around the railways (stations and trains) with real-time apps etc- something I'm sure puts new passengers off?

 

[lowe1409]

Issue is not all of these apps update instantly when there is a platform alteration. A common one you hear when people miss a train is 'trainline told me this platform'

Easy to navigate is also subjective as a lot of people end up unsure if the train is the correct one because they know what time the train to Huddersfield is, but when it arrives, it says 'redcar central' on the front instead and wind up missing it. Aswel, looking at the departure boards in a large station like Manchester Piccadilly is hard enough for a seasoned rail user, let alone a new one.