TfL Go: Plan, Pay, Travel 4+

Interesting app

Most map apps such as citymapper and google maps bring similar functionality, but the tfl developers have indeed done a good job of providing a well designed and simplified experience with a focus on public transport in London and accessibility (both in the app and in finding accessible transport options). I am particularly impressed with the consistent design style that reflects the tfl brand really well. I would be curious to find out what technologies you used when building out the screens and interactive map 😁!

Of course there are always tradeoffs when designing a whole navigation app around the london tube map seeing as those unfamiliar with the london tube may find it unintuitive, as geographical distances and locations in london aren’t conveyed like they are on an ordinary map. In addition, the amount of text on the map and text on the main option buttons at the bottom may make the main app screen slightly less accessible to certain people. However, given the constraints of working off the tfl map, the design is still impressive.

To make the app better, it would be good to add some more disambiguation for places vs stations. Eg: High Barnet may refer to the tube station or the centre of the area.

Developer Response ,

Hi Nina. Thank you so much for your very detailed review and amazing rating! We are thrilled to learn you have such a positive opinion! We appreciate your point on those who may be unfamiliar with london and the underground map, however, the app is designed to plan a journey from the app users current location, which will negate the need to know where you'll be starting your journey from - although this is also something you can do in the app! Damien

Absolutely phenomenal!

TfL Go is a surprisingly phenomenal app for commuters travelling via public transport in London!

Having recently migrated over from its much older and certainly clunkier sibling - TfL’s Oyster and Contactless App - the difference is night and day.

The UI is fantastic. It’s straightforward, easy to use and extremely fluid (the animations beat even Google and Apple’s Maps offerings!)

But don’t mistake its simplicity for lack of functionality. With the latest update, its roster of features now include:
- Public Transport Navigation (by Bus, Tube, Train, Overground, DLR, Trams, Cable Car and even Uber Boats!)
- Detailed Station/ Stop Information (Next Trains/ Buses to any particular station/ stop of your choosing, how busy it currently is, which platform trains are docking at, amenities eg WiFi and facilities eg toilets)
- Current service status for all TfL lines (Good service, minor delays, severe delays etc)
- A brilliant interactive map of the TfL network (showcasing your location as well, if you enable location services)
- Oyster Card Services (Top-up, payment history, usage history, adding travel cards and renaming Oyster cards)

Needless to say, I am impressed - more than impressed really. Kudos to everyone who worked on this app - this has been one of the easiest 5 star recommendations I have ever dished out in recent memory!

Platform numbers would be helpful when using the planner part

The end user still does not have the information given about what platform number the train is departing from. For example. I planned a journey from Paddington to heathrow at 04:42 it says walk to platform london Paddington. For me it's clear it's the national rail station for otherswho are foreign will not see any difference. I know first westbound services depart from the main line station and elizabeth line ststion at Paddington does not open till 0528hrs.

It would be helpful if you could PLEASE put the platform numbers as when it is available. This will help a lot of people who are using the app know which platform to go to. Another example I can show is if someone was to go to Gatwick Airport from paddington it just says go to platform. I really needs to tell the user at Paddington use elizabeth line train from platform A to Farringdon from Farringdon go to platform 3.

TFL really needs to acknowledge this because it's frtrsting for me to tell you guys the basics the app needs to have.