UK rail portal, National Rail Enquires, has introduced a live departure board desktop function for Windows Vista users, which will later be available on Mac and Windows XP applications.
Vista users can download the software onto their Sidebar desktop programme to view live information on train times and departures for any route in the UK, using technology on the National Rail Enquiries website.
By entering the departure and destination points into the system, it will automatically display the next five timetabled services, each of which can be clicked on for more detailed information and station stops en route.
If a train is late it will be highlighted in yellow, with the expected time of arrival displayed and if cancelled, the departure details will turn red.
”At National Rail Enquiries we are always seeking new ways of delivering information that is easy to use and through channels that our users desire,” said head of online services, Jason Webb.
”Using the latest technology, we have built upon the success of our live departure boards to offer a vista gadget that can sit on the desktop showing your station or journey.”
National Rail Enquiries is currently developing similar software for Windows XP and Mac programmes, although a spokeswoman for the company told ABTN that there was no further information on a release date.