1 nomination from readers

• Phase Two of National Rail Enquiries’ Online Journey Planner (OJP2) has been developed using the latest technology to provide rail users with live running time information on train services.

  By displaying real time running information visitors to OJP2 can be informed can, before they travel, see on screen the current state of operations, disruptions and cancellations on specific trains and have the option of re-panning their journey to reduce the time spent waiting at the platform, or avoid arriving for a train that has been cancelled, all of which can be done at home, at work or at any location where a computer and the internet are available.

  By providing a readily accessible, reliable and up to the minute train time information service, OJP2 is at the forefront of innovative technology playing a major role in reducing the inconvenience of delayed and disrupted rail services. By forewarning train travellers of problems on the network OJP2 is improving passengers’ rail experiences as well as benefiting the train operating companies. Fewer passengers arrive at stations unaware of disruptions. This results in less congestion on platforms and fewer angry exchanges when trains run late.

  Developed using the latest technology, completed nearly three weeks ahead of schedule and to budget OJP2 has, since its March 2009 launch, received more than eight million visits from passengers who have used the service to successfully plan train journeys.

  Providing real time information to passengers represents a huge leap in rail information provision and this truly innovative service is the first anywhere in the world to give passengers such an accurate minute-by-minute picture of what is happening on the railways.

  We submit therefore that National Rail Enquiries’ OJP2 would be a worthy winner of the Innovation category of the New Media Awards 2008.

  Nominated by Andrea Geeson, 30 May 2008