Real-time information about services on the Tyne and Wear Metro is now available on Apple smartphones as well as on those running Android.

The real-time functionality has been available through the Pop app on Android smartphones since 2020, as well as on the Nexus website. The app has now been upgraded so that live updates can also be accessed on all Apple handheld devices, and the app is now the network’s only official app.

As well as being able to track Metro services in real-time, the Pop all allows users to plan journeys, find out how busy trains and car parks are, and speak to the Metro team. Users with the app on android phones can also use it to buy season tickets and touch in and out at stations.

Nexus, the public body that owns Metro, worked closely with its technology partner Newcastle-based Nebula Labs to integrate its real-time systems into the iOS operating system, resulting in a single app for every kind of smartphone.

Apple smartphone users with the Metro app should see it update automatically from Metro to Pop. A pop-up message will be displayed that directs them to the new app, and explains that the Metro app is no longer supported.

Regular app users will see a change in its colour scheme, otherwise, most functionality is the same including the journey planner, map, and links to key sections of the Nexus website. However, additional features are now available including:

• Real-time information informing customers how many minutes there are until the next train is due on any station platform.
• A live screen showing available parking spaces in each of Metro’s six park-and-ride car parks.

With just a single app, it will be easier for Nexus to make more improvements to its usability.

Customers using the Android version of the Pop app can buy a one-week Metro season ticket directly, and Google Pay can be used to access the Pop Pay As You Go product. However, the iOS Pop app or Apple Pay do not currently offer any ticketing functionality.

Further information about the Pop app is available online at https://www.nexus.org.uk/metro/useful-information/tyne-and-wear-metro-app

Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “Our upgraded Pop App means we’ve made real-time updates on Metro available to Apple customers for the first time.

“More than 30,000 Metro customers will be getting messages to upgrade their Pop App or move from our previous app so they can benefit from the new features.

“The Pop App upgrade is just a small step on the journey. We will continue to develop our offer and increase the range of products customers can use on their phone alongside providing the latest travel information.”