Alexa 'Skill' for train times and fares released

TIN news:  Independent ticket retailer RedSpottedHanky.com can now be accessed via Amazon Echo and Echo Dot smart devices using an Alexa intelligent personal assistant add-on 'Skill' developed by Atos company Worldline.

Worldline says the personal assistant functionality is a first for the UK rail industry, and claims it will help travellers understand timetables and find the cheapest fare for a journey. Examples of requests which can be made by speaking to the smart device are:

• 'Alexa, ask RedSpottedHanky what is the cheapest ticket from Birmingham New Street to London Euston on Sunday after 9 in the morning?'
• 'Alexa, ask RedSpottedHanky when is the next train from Edinburgh to York?'
• 'Alexa, ask RedSpottedHanky to get trains between Derby and Bristol Temple Meads'.

'We have developed the RedSpottedHanky Alexa Skill to allow customers to ask a simple question and get a simple answer', said Worldline Mobility & eTransactional Services Director James Bain. 'By removing the confusion and frustration of personally navigating your way to the best deals, our aim is to make it easier and cheaper to travel by train.'