Frustrated Borderlands Line commuters can track late trains in real time thanks to new TfW map

Transport for Wales (TfW) has introduced a new live digital map that allows commuters to track their trains in real-time.

The new feature is expected to be particularly useful to those who have been frustrated by the reliability issues plaguing the new Class 230 fleet on the Wrexham to Bidston line.

The Borderlands Line is a critical route through Flintshire to Wrexham and the Wirral.

Since their introduction earlier this year on the line, the Class 230 fleet, which consists of five hybrid diesel/battery trains, has faced challenges in maintaining the hourly timetable.

Multiple breakdowns and cancellations of services have been reported, causing disruptions and dissatisfaction among passengers.

The new digital map, created in collaboration with rail technology innovator Signalbox, aims to alleviate some of these concerns by providing accurate real-time information about train locations.

The map not only shows the location of every train on the TfW network but also includes a colour-coded system to display whether a train is running on time, slightly delayed, or delayed by more than 10 minutes.

Teleri Evans, Customer Information Strategy Manager for TfW, emphasized the company’s commitment to using technology to improve customer experience, saying:

“We know our customers want the latest information made available to them while travelling to feel confident that they know what’s going on. This fantastic live digital map shows exactly where you are and also any other trains you might be looking to connect to.”

Signalbox’s technology uses live data to estimate the location of trains as they pass specific points on the tracks.

The founder of Signalbox, Toby Webb, expressed excitement about the partnership:

“Until now, rail has lagged behind other industries in offering interactive live maps for its passengers. So it’s been exciting to work with Transport for Wales to deliver this new tool.”

The digital map also provides an option to share live arrival times with friends and family.

Toby Webb, Founder of Signalbox said: “We know that travellers are reassured by seeing the progress of their journey in real time on a map, and find it useful to share with friends and family.

“Until now, rail has lagged behind other industries in offering interactive live maps for its passengers. So it’s been exciting to work with Transport for Wales to deliver this new tool that incorporates the best bits of Signalbox technology to detect, map and share trains in Wales.”

Later this year, GPS data from trains will be integrated into the technology, offering an even more precise picture of train locations.

You can try the map here:  Signalbox