UK: Independent ticket retailer Trainline has launched a function on its app which is designed to help passengers alert other people if they find that it is not possible to socially distance in particular areas of specific trains.
Passengers using the Crowd Alerts function can indicate whether the front, middle or back of a train is too busy to support social distancing guidelines. They can confirm whether distancing is possible by clicking a ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ button.
If feedback shows social distancing is not possible in parts of the train, a blue bubble will be displayed to people searching for the journey in the app. If the whole train is overcrowded, an orange bubble will show, warning customers against boarding. A number in the bubble shows how many customers have shared this feedback.
During a two-week trial on Northern, customers shared feedback that it was possible to socially distance on 90% of trains.
