Alert Me by Messenger

How many journeys can I store alerts for?

You can store up to ten journeys within the 'My Journeys' section of the Messenger app.

I'm going on holiday - can I temporarily turn off my alerts?

Yes, all journey alerts can be temporarily paused in the 'My Journeys' section Of the Messenger page. Simply swipe the selected journey to the left, and click 'TURN ALERTS OFF' to stop monitoring the journey.

I'm a regular commuter - can I set up regular alerts?

Yes, you can set up alerts for regular repeat journeys that run around a defined time period such as a regular weekday morning commute, e.g. All trains departing on or shortly after 8am Monday to Friday running between London Paddington and Oxford station.

How do I cancel the alerts completely?

You can opt-out of all alerts in the Messenger app by selecting 'Opt-out of messages' from the 'My Account' section of the menu. By opting out, all ongoing disruption messaging is cancelled and all saved journeys/routes are wiped. Once all existing alerts are removed, you will need to opt back in to monitor disruption on new journeys.

Will I be alerted about cancellations as well as delays?

Yes, alerts are triggered for both train delays and cancellations, and alternative route options will be provided where available using the same train operator. There may also be other alternative routes available from different operators via National Rail Enquiries.

Will I get an alert for my journey even if it's delayed by just a minute or two?

Delay messages are only triggered when the selected train is delayed by 10% of your total journey time plus an additional three minutes. For example, if your journey is 40 minutes, we will only notify you of disruption if the predicted delay is greater than 7 minutes.

If the train delays change, will I get real-time updates?

Yes, for example: "Your train has made up time and is now running only a few minutes late" or "The delay to your train to b is now n minutes"

If I take the alternative route that has been suggested, will my original ticket still be valid?

Alternative routes will be provided where available, using the same train operator as the original journey (there may also be other alternative routes available from different operators via National Rail Enquiries).

Passengers are always reminded to check their ticket is valid on the alternative service.

How accurate is the information about the train delays, and where do you get it from?

Information is sourced from the industry standard DARWIN system, which is also used to power on platform departure boards and the National Rail Enquiries web site and mobile apps. Please note that this is a brand-new Beta service, and while we endeavor to provide information as accurately as possible, we cannot guarantee the service will be perfect. The service is under active development, and we will be adding and improving functionality on an ongoing basis.

Do the delay messages still work if I'm taking a train journey involving multiple legs and train changes?

The current functionality will only provide you with messages regarding delays, cancellations and alternative routes for single leg journeys at present. We are looking at enhancing the BETA in due cause which will enable customers to receive all of the above for train journeys involving multiple legs and connections.

I do not have a Facebook or Messenger account. Can I still access the alerts?

This service from National Rail Enquiries is only currently available for users with a Messenger or Facebook account. Note that it is possible to have a Messenger account without signing up to Facebook — you can sign up using your mobile phone number.

My train was delayed but I did not get a message - why not?

There are a few possibilities why you didn't get a message. The most likely reason is that the delay on your train journey may not have fallen within the defined parameters of 10% of the total journey time plus 3 minutes. For example, if your journey is 40 minutes, we will only notify you of disruption if the predicted delay is greater than 7 minutes. Alternatively, you may not have been signed in to your Messenger account at the time of the delay or you may not have had phone signal if you use Messenger on your phone.

I cannot find the 'Keep Me Updated' button on the National Rail Enquiries website. Where is it?

The 'Keep Me Updated' button can be found in the following places on the National Rail Enquiries website:

• On the journey planner page
• On the live departure boards page

You suggested an alternate route after my original journey was delayed but did not tell me it was going to cost more money, why not?

Messages suggesting alternative routes always advise the passenger to check that their ticket is valid before travelling on the new service. For example: "The following <TOC> trains should get you to X quicker. Check your ticket is valid'.

Do you store my data and what do you use it for?

The service only collects data for the purposes of providing disruption notifications, and by clicking on the 'Keep Me Updated' button or 'Get Started' on the Messenger app, you are consenting to the receipt of messages on Messenger for train services which you are actively monitoring.

In order to do this, we are required to store data on which train services you use, and your interactions with our web site and mobile apps. We DO NOT transfer any information to Facebook or Messenger, and your data is only used for the purpose stated above. We DO NOT store any sensitive personal information such as your name, address or phone number in order to provide this service. You can opt-out of the service at any time by following the instructions within the Messenger app.

Now that I have opted in, will I get inundated with spam and third-party advertising that I do not want?

Absolutely not. If you opt-in to receive disruption updates about selected train journeys, you will only receive informational messages related to those services.