Tranz Metro to use Twitter to relay information

Tranz Metro has announced a number of passenger communication developments for Wellington commuters. A new web site will make it easier to find information, and notices about delays and changes to services will be available by email or Twitter as well as SMS messages.

“We have been looking at a number of initiatives to take passenger information to the next level,” comments Graeme Mowday, Trans Metro’s marketing manager. “We have also ordered improved speakers for the Wellington Railway station PA system and they are due to be fitted later this month.”

The new web site can already be accessed from the front page of the existing site (http://http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz). “The new site is designed to make it easier to find what you need, yet has more information,” adds Mr Mowday. “It includes news on planned changes to services and shows our on time performance, for example.”

Initial indications for the site, in ‘public test’ mode before taking over later this month, are encouraging. An online poll shows 76% of users ‘like it’ or ‘love it’.

Instant notifications are now available via microblog Twitter (http://twitter.com/TranzMetro/), which is growing as a communications tool with over 50 million users worldwide. The web site also allows users to register for a forthcoming email service, repeating the SMS and Twitter notifications.

“Some members of the public have noticed we have been testing Twitter to make sure it delivers the information consistently,” says Graeme Mowday. “Those tests have been successful and it is now live.”

ENDS

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