MINEOLA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — The Long Island Rail Road on Wednesday announced it was updating its Train Time mobile app to include a variety of new features that will help riders plan their commutes ahead of time.
LIRR customers will now find a slew of new real-time information via the app, including the passenger count on each car and audio messages and displays that show which car has the most available seats.
The new features were implemented just weeks after the LIRR reversed a decision on service cuts, after a reduced number of trains lead to dangerous overcrowding on some cars.
The LIRR schedule will return to normal on March 29, according to LIRR President Phil Eng, who says the app updates should greatly improve everyone’s commute.
“We know information is power and we’re giving that power to our customers in the app,” Eng said.
According to a press release, the Train Time app also expands accessibility for disabled users by helping them to locate elevators, escalators and ramps on both origin and destination platforms. It also gives them the ability to map out a trip in advance to position themselves in the ideal spot.
“LIRR staff traveled station-by-station to collect 900 data points to power this app feature,” the press release said. “The app also features enhanced screen reader support for blind or low-vision users by reading out loud what is on the screen and adapt the speech output to the speed or volume they choose.”
The LIRR has also taken steps to improve stations with new platform screens that display the same information found on the Train Time app.
Though the MTA has seen a dramatic decline in ridership amid the pandemic, the agency is hoping the improvements will change how all riders use public transportation.
And Eng is hoping to see riders return to the trains very soon.
“The MTA has done a number of studies that shows that by 2024, the MTA may be around 86% of our pre-pandemic ridership,” he said.
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