Indian Railways launches RailRadar, lets you track trains via Google Maps

Indian Railways launches RailRadar, lets you track trains via Google Maps

Indian Railways has just made it a little easier for rail travelers with a new web app called RailRadar, which uses Google Maps to track trains on a real-time basis. This is certainly welcome on one of the largest rail networks in the world -- it operates more than 10,000 trains everyday -- though the service is only available on 6,500 trains for now. To find out where your train is, simply search for its name or number and RailRadar will spot it for you. You can also find trains by entering the name of the station. Blue highlights indicate trains that are on time while red means it's behind schedule. If you click on a train, it'll show its entire route from start to finish. The logical next step would be for this to be on smartphones like how it is in Japan, though we're not sure if that's in the cards just yet.

[Thanks, dil]

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Indian Railways launches RailRadar, lets you track trains via Google Maps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 02:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forever Moving Trains

Inspired by the infrastructure of the internet, Moving Platforms is a completely interconnected rail system where local trams connect to a network of non-stop high speed trains enabling passengers to travel from their local stop to a local address at their destination (even another country) without getting off a train. Sounds far out right?! Hit the jump and watch the interview with the designer to see how it works!

Moving Platforms involves a network of high speed trains that run non-stop between two ends of a continent, Los Angeles to New York for instance. The high speed trains run on a line that passes outside towns and cities with a network of local feeder trams that carry passengers from local stops out to meet them. As they near each other, the high speed train slows down slightly and the tram speeds up alongside it, at which point the trains physically connect via a docking system allowing passengers to transfer directly across from the tram to the high speed train and vice versa.

Once transfers are complete, the trains separate, with the high speed train speeding up again along its route, and the tram slowing down and going back into the town or city centre with the newly disembarked passengers.

The tram, in effect, acts as a moving station. The same system could also be used by passengers transferring from one high speed train to another.

Designer: priestmangoode

Paul Priestman introduces Moving Platforms from Priestmangoode on Vimeo.

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(Forever Moving Trains was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Braille Rail for the Visually Impaired

This thoughtful design addresses the independence sought by visually impaired persons who prefer or have to get around spaces with out assistance from others. The Raynes Rail is a handrail system that features Braille messages located on the rail’s inner face. In addition to the raised messages, audio information can also be accessed at strategic locations (a tool which sighted individuals will also appreciate).

Designer: Coco Raynes Associates

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Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Yanko Design Store - We are about more than just concepts. See what's hot at the YD Store!
(Braille Rail for the Visually Impaired was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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MBTA and Masabi team up for first smartphone rail ticketing system in the US, launching in Boston this fall

MBTA and Masabi team up for first smartphone rail ticketing system in the US, launching in Boston this fall

In Boston this fall, you won't need to keep up with your train ticket anymore -- as long as you don't leave your smartphone at home. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Masabi have joined forces to bring a rail ticketing to handheld devices via iPhone, Android and BlackBerry apps. Headquartered in London, Masabi has launched similar tech for transit companies in the UK, eliminating ticket lines for many smartphone-wielding passengers. Software will allow riders to purchase tickets and passes that are validated with a barcode scan by conductors equipped with mobile devices of their own. MBTA is looking to cut costs and provide added convenience with the new system instead of adding more ticketing kiosks to its stations. The aforementioned apps will be developed alongside focus groups and a small pilot group this summer with a full rollout to all MBTA customers expected to happen this fall. Looking for a bit more info? Hit the coverage and source links below to read on.

[Image credit: Masabi on Flickr]

Continue reading MBTA and Masabi team up for first smartphone rail ticketing system in the US, launching in Boston this fall

MBTA and Masabi team up for first smartphone rail ticketing system in the US, launching in Boston this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Verge  |  sourceMasabi  | Email this | Comments