An interactive live rail map has been launched by Intercity operator Avanti West Coast in a bid to support passengers tracking their train using real-time information whilst travelling.

The innovative map has been created in collaboration with tech solutions company Signalbox and will be available as part of a trial via the rail operator’s website and can easily be viewed using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

It is hoped that the map will help passengers to gain more information about their journey whilst on the move on the West Coast Main Line.

The map comes as part of Signalbox’s current technology which detects, tracks and maps the locations of trains across the country.

Those using the map can see the progress of services they are using or simply check the status of trains at a particular station.

Using live data which is enhanced by location means that the map can let customers view and track a train’s movements alongside checking the performance of rail services and by simply tapping a train, passengers can discover its calling points and current status.

The map makes use of a geographical map and is visually engaging with icons representing passenger services operating on the rail network and utilising chevrons to show the direction of travel, as well as colour to reveal the train’s journey status.

By tapping an icon, customers can discover information such as the platform number the train will arrive/depart from alongside all calling points.

The idea for the map came thanks to a suggestion from a team member at Carlisle station who believed customers would find such a visual guide extremely useful and led to a pilot scheme being run at the station which has now seen the launch of the map online to enable more customers to make use of the innovative facility.

Several facilities via the website are already available to rail passengers who wish to monitor the progress of a train including Live Train Status, Journey Check and Planned Engineering Work, the new map brings a more visual alternative making it easier for many to use whilst travelling.

The map has also been created to be accessible for assistive technologies such as screen readers and a toggle button, which can alter the colour contrast for low-vision users.

The technology is set to be rolled out across other Avanti West Coast digital channels if the trial is successful.

To track trains using the map, please click here.

Signalbox CEO, Toby Webb, said: “It’s been great to work with Avanti West Coast to deliver a new application that incorporates the best bits of our technology to detect, map, and share trains.

“The innovation we’ve created for the trial is a new simple way for passengers to access real-time information that’s personalised for their journey. We hope this approach to delivering live data directly to travellers on the move improves the passenger experience across the network.”

David Franklin, Innovation Strategy Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We know how important it is to our customers to have clear and live information when travelling with us. We’re always looking to find new and better ways of doing things and are delighted to innovate with Signalbox to trial this technology.”

“By providing our customers with a good visual to locate their train, we hope they’ll feel more reassured, as well as have greater confidence when travelling with access to information specific to their journey at the touch of a finger.”