London Transport Review

Travelling around London is something of a logistical nightmare if you don't know the place like the back of your hand. I visit it a few times a year on business and as much as I like the place, I still struggle to understand where everything is. Because of this I rely upon the London underground map and a Tube status app to keep track of what's going on. The problem then is what if my route involves doing something other than the underground? What if it involves a bus or the dreaded 'walking' thing people tell me about? Enter London Transport, an app that aims to help you get wherever you're going in the simplest manner possible.

It's an immensely convenient app, mostly because everything is in one place. Tapping the Planner option gives you the choice to start a new journey from mostly anywhere within the UK. As an example, I selected my home town's rail station as the starting place and the Millbank Tower near Westminister in London. Within a couple of seconds, I'm given the ideal route depending on what time I'm departing (which is also adjustable). It tells me exactly how long my journey should take, each part of it divided up according to method i.e. walking or train. Once I get to the Tube, it tells me which line to take in what direction and where to walk to and from. I can then continue to consult the app or I can print the route out. It even keeps track of your recent journeys so you can always consult previous routes that you've taken. Finally, you can adjust mobility options if you happen to require a route that doesn't involve any lifts or stairs.

The planner route is clearly hugely useful by itself. There's more than that though. The tube section brings up an ever useful map of the underground and also helpfully updates you on what stations are nearby. As well as this, it keeps you informed as to any problems or delays on the line. A similar feature is also available for bus routes, cycle hire docking stations, trams and river services. If you prefer to take a taxi, a list of nearby taxi operators is also available as well as a hugely comprehensive list of phone numbers to contact them.

Finally, there's a 'Take me home' option whereby you can select where you live and the app will tell you exactly how to get home. Particularly ideal if you're slightly inebriated and in need of some help.

This all sounds a lot like gushing in a hugely positive way, and that's because it is. London Transport really is a great app. I don't like to be so overwhelmingly positive unless an app truly deserves it but this one does. The only addition I can think of that it needs is push notifications for any changes to services. Other than that though, it's flawless and an invaluable tool to any London traveller.