
A new digital Metro map which tracks the location of trains in real time through the Pop App has been launched today, Wednesday 29 January, transforming service information for thousands of customers.
The new technology marks a major upgrade to the Pop App, which Metro customers can use to access real time updates at their fingertips using Apple and Android smartphones. It comes in response to customer feedback and follows the launch of push notifications on the app last year.
We created the live map as part of its ongoing commitment to improving the Metro customer experience, following on from the first new train entering service.
Click here to see how to use the new map.
It is the first time that service information has been available on a live map of the Metro system, bringing improved useability to the app along with better real time information during times of disruption. It makes it easier for customers to see where the trains are and see how many minutes there are until the next train is due on a station platform.
The app has a personalised information display for a customer’s nearest station, an auto refresh of the real time information feed, and visibility of the location and information for any station on the Metro system.
Real time Metro updates were first rolled out to the Pop App in 2020. The app now has almost 300,000 downloads and thousands of daily users.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “We’re delighted to introduce this new feature to our Pop App, which delivers an improvement in how we provide real time Metro service information for our customers.
“This is the first time that we’ve developed a live map of the Metro system on our app. It’s a really great feature, showing customers where all of the trains are on the system in a really easy to use and interactive way.
“It’s a feature that our customers have been asking for and I’m pleased to say that we now have that. The real time display showing how many minutes there are for the next Metro train is at your fingertips.
“A key focus for us is to improve our customer information channels and this new live map is a big step forward on that journey. We will continue to develop our offer in line with customer feedback.”
Kim McGuinness, the North East Mayor, said: “I know many Metro passengers will welcome this latest upgrade to the Pop App. Getting the right information and live updates is so important when we travel by public transport, and the Nexus team has really listened to what people have been saying they need – the Pop App now let’s you track your train on the map as well as sending push messages and that is a big step forward.
“We all want a better Metro system and Nexus is moving in the right direction with the first new trains now in day-to-day service and these big improvements in customer information.”
The overall functionality of the Pop App enables customers to access tailored information related to their journey in real time, from Metro service levels and lift and escalator availability. Customers can select whether they wish to receive alerts on the green or yellow line, as well as updates relating to specific stations.
It also shows information about how busy Metro car parks are, and how to contact Nexus. It also contains information about Metro fares and ticketing.
The Android version of the Pop app allows customers to buy a one-week Metro season ticket directly, while Google Pay can be used to access the Pop Pay As You Go product.