Sports fans heading to the Commonwealth Games can access revolutionary tech to plan their visit around Birmingham this summer, thanks to a bespoke journey planning platform from Network Rail and award-winning transport tech innovator, Whoosh. Spectators can scan in-station QR codes at Birmingham New Street to access a wealth of network information tailored specifically to the Commonwealth Games, simplifying the customer journey experience. 

 

The targeted and intuitively placed QR code posters at Birmingham New Street guide spectators to an accessible interface. Users can scroll through to check the schedule for the Games, find listed events, sports, and venues, and plan how they’re going to get there, all in one place in the palm of their hands. 

Dubbed the “public transport games” by West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, this collaboration is set to provide another boost to spectators attending the multi-sport event – anyone with tickets to events can use the network across the region for free, including buses, trams, trains and bicycle hire.

Edmund Caldecott, Whoosh CEO and founder, said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Network Rail to provide bespoke travel solutions for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“This major event will be the pinnacle of many athletes’ journeys, and, in many ways, this is the pinnacle of our journey so far. Since launching, Whoosh has set the bar in customer support technology, and we are excited to be improving the journeys of those travelling to and from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

Anand Patel, Head of Technology and Innovation at Network Rail, said: “Improving the customer experience across the Network Rail system is one of our key aims. We expect a million more passengers at Birmingham’s three main stations during the event weeks, and this important travel technology will help to deal efficiently with this increased demand.

“These QR codes show the dual benefits of travel technology and collaboration with industry experts such as Whoosh. We are excited to be continuing our partnership during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and beyond.”

The real-time platform also gives the ability to speak to transport staff, find station and train facilities, and plan onward travel via fully accessible shuttle buses, VOI Scooters, taxi bookings through Karhoo and more. In February 2022, Whoosh’s Real-Time Journey Dashboard was rolled out at four of Network Rail’s major stations, including Birmingham New Street, adding a further strand to the onboard platform that has been in use across Grand Central and Northern trains since early 2021.