Wondering whether you can have another coffee or finish that report before you race out the door to catch your train or bus? Now you can make an informed decision with Metlink’s handy online tools wherever you are.

Public transport customer service agency Metlink has designed four customer tools to help commuters save time across all modes of transport; a journey planner, iPhone app, downloadable timetable and mobile departure board.

Michelle Herbert, general manager at Metlink, says as Melbourne’s population continues to grow, Metlink is looking for innovative ways to make public transport even easier.

“The tools will help people get public transport information wherever they are via the internet on their mobile phones and computers,” Michelle said. “As the use of broadband and 3G continues to increase across Victorian households and businesses, Metlink has embraced the technology to create some very useful public transport tools.”

“The tools are very simple and suitable for all types of customer – whether young or old, frequent or infrequent users,” Michelle said.

Alex Makin, Mayor of City of Maroondah, is a strong public transport advocate who gave up his mayoral car when he came into office.

The Mayor covers most of his area’s 64km boundary on the bus network and uses the odd train from time to time.

“I rely on public transport to get to my appointments throughout the municipality so I was thrilled to learn of the new tools,” said Cr Makin. “The journey planner is my preferred tool which helps me plan my day and save time.”

The four tools are:

• The journey planner – get a trip plan from A to B across all modes of transport;
• The iPhone app, it’s one stop shop for all your transport needs;
• Downloadable timetables you can print at home or your office and keep in your bag or on the fridge; and
• Mobile departure board tells you when the next times are for your stop.

For more information about the tools, visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au.