A good number of us are regular users of the train network to get around, whether for a daily commute to work or other journeys out and about. So there's no need to explain the potential benefit of having something like the Trainline app on your Nokia C5-03.
Check out our Nokia C5-03 Review Roundup
The Trainline app is a mobile version of the web service of the same name, which enables you to search for and purchase tickets for train journeys around the UK.
The smartphone equivalent for Nokia handsets essentially delivers the same features, and you're given a simple choice when firing it up – Find Trains, My Tickets and Information. It's a fairly solid start, which is important as generally you'll be using the Trainline app to achieve a fairly simple goal, and do it quickly.
From there, you go through the standard process of selecting which ticket type you want, the start and end stations, and your ideal date and time, then you enter your card details and confirm your purchase. Once that's done, you'll be able to review your reservation in the My Tickets section, and use the reservation code supplied to print out your tickets once you get to the station.
Again, that's pretty much exactly what you'd expect, so in essence the acid test for the Trainline app is its interface, and how easy it is to use. And the good news is it passes this test with flying colours.
There are all kinds of clever touches that make this app a pleasure to use. Journeys you've already made, for instance, are added to your Where to? screen automatically and can be selected in just two taps after starting the app up. Auto-suggest station lists are also present and correct, and you can select times based on when you want to leave, or when you need to arrive by.
The on-screen keypad and keyboard are well designed and easy to use, and overall there's a satisfyingly consistent look and feel that permeates the whole app.
Sadly, the Trainline app can't do much about getting you to your destination on time once the train leaves the station, but up to that point it's a great utility to have on hand.
