First Capital Connect takes train delays to Twitter

by Dan Leahul, revolutionmagazine.com 21-May-09, 14:00

LONDON - Rail operator First Capital Connect (FCC) is to use Twitter to update passengers about delays and problems with rail network they are travelling on.

Rail travellers can follow FCC on Twitter (@FirstCC) where they will be asked to provide information about their regular commute - the stations they travel between and the times of day when their journeys take place.

The system, developed by digital agency Tobias & Tobias, then can alert customers when problems occur that will affect their trip through commuters mobile phones or laptops.

Katey Burton, FCC's digital marketing manager, said Twitter's potential as a way of getting information to passengers in real time was key in the service's development.

Burton said: "When Twitter's popularity in the UK started to grow, we decided it could help us provide our customers with relevant, timely information to help make their journeys easier during times of disruption.

"We believe the service is a first for a rail operator and will really help and inform customers both now and in the future as Twitter develops."