UK: The Association of Train Operating Companies has announced plans to roll out real-time mapping on the nationalrail.co.uk travel information website.

ATOC has been working with Microsoft and Conchango to improve the visual interface of the National Rail Enquiries website’s ‘live departure boards’ feature, which provides details of train running for every station.

The maps will be rolled out during 2009. ‘This interactive map technology shows the moving of trains in real time, indicates the running of the train and highlights any line of route problems’, said Ra Wilson, National Rail Enquiries’ Web Development Manager. ‘This dynamically drawn technology will eventually be able to tap into the train facility information such as whether there is first class available or a trolley service.’