Blog from the Web Manager’s Desktop – Edition 10

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Hi all

 

I’m back, starting with an apology for the lack of blogs over the last few months.

 

No – I didn’t go into hibernation over winter, though you’d be forgiven for thinking so.

 

 

“Show and tell”

 

We have a couple of items we’re ready to share with those who are registered with us as Beta Testers.

 

If you’re in this elite club (anyone can become a member!) you will soon receive an email from me with details of the new items we welcome you to test.

 

For those not yet in the know, here’s what we have launched into Beta:

 

 

·         The new Journey Planner

 

We’ve been working with our colleagues at Metlink to bring you an improved Journey Planner, which will allow to you search all public transport options across Victoria. 

 

Some of you will be familiar with this tool, if you have used the www.viclink.com.au (new window) website before.  Viclink is the Victoria‑wide, sister site of www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au (new window)

 

 

·         RSS feeds

           

It’s something a number of people have asked for.  If you’re not sure what it is, chances are you won’t use it!  But if you do, RSS will automatically bring the latest V/Line news to your browser or RSS Reader.

 

This service is currently only in Beta, but once it’s been tried and tested, we will launch it across the site.

 

 

We’ve also been working on…

 

·         The ‘Plan your journey’ fare calculator

 

Based on your feedback, we’ve also been improving our fare calculator, that’s part of  Plan Your Journey.

 

We have introduced “Peak?” information, which lets you know whether the service you want to take is peak or off peak.

 

Using this information, the system will now calculate the specific fare for the journey you’ve chosen – replacing the previous list of all fares.  Additionally, you are now able to calculate periodical fares (e.g. weekly, monthly).

 

As always, if you have any feedback on the new functionality – please let us know.

 

We are also working to bring you the ability to purchase certain ticket types online – more info on that in early 2008.

 

 

Update on ongoing projects

 

·         SMS disruption notification system

 

The “Customer Registration” section is ready and our Beta Testers will let us know how simple this process is and whether we need to make any improvements.

 

Currently we’re finalising the “Administration” function, which will allow us to send out messages.  This will be ready within the next few weeks.

 

Until around March, we will be running a Beta version of the service i.e. it’s not a ‘mature’ product, nor will it notify you of every disruption, but you will definitely see it evolve over time. 

 

In 2008, we will have full implementation – when we’ll launch the tool officially.

 

 

·         Real-time travel information

 

This work has been rolled up with the SMS message system work.  Whenever a delay/cancellation message is sent by SMS (or email) it will also appear on our website.

 

 

An addition to the team

 

Since I last wrote, Olivia – our part-time member of the web team – left V/Line.  She has been replaced by Chris Whitefield, who will be helping with “web stuff” as part of his day-to-day role as Communications Officer.  Welcome Chris.

 

 

As always…

 

Your feedback is welcome.

 

Until next time (which I promise won’t be as long as last time!) I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

 

Kind regards

Garry McGhie
Web Manager
V/Line Passenger Pty Ltd

www.vline.com.au

 

View the next Blog - Edition 11