From now on you can also check what time your train departs on your Apple Watch and create useful commands thanks to Siri Shortcuts. The NS app has received a major update and these are the most important additions.
NS Apple Watch update and more
The year is off to a good start for the Dutch Railways. After it was previously announced that travelers are more satisfied than ever, the carrier is now releasing a major update to the iOS app.
1. Apple Watch
From now on, the NS app will also work on your Apple Watch. This allows you to see directly from your wrist what time your next train will depart, and where you need to change. In addition, you can directly press the ‘Start journey’ button, after which you will be guided through your journey step-by-step. Until now, it was only possible to check your train schedule with unofficial apps, such as the Treingids released in 2018.
2. Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts are also supported from now on. This allows you to perform multiple assignments with smaller tasks with one simple voice command. Say, for example, “I’m going by train”, after which the NS app will automatically look up when the next train drives to your office, and start a scene from the Home app, such as dimming the lights.
Go to the Assignments app and create a new assignment. Then search for “NS” and select a trip that you make often, such as to the office or your place of residence. Add as many commands as you want and you’re done.
Siri Shortcuts is a new feature in iOS 12 that makes the voice assistant smarter and more practical. Get inspired by watching our examples of Siri Shortcuts or check the video below.
3. Step-by-step guidance while traveling
Finally, NS has added a completely new function: Travel Planner Live. As the name suggests, the app guides you step-by-step through your train schedule. It works very simply. When you look up a trip via the app, you will now see the “Start” button at the bottom right. As soon as you press this you will see to the second when your train leaves, how to get to the platform, when you have to change, how long this will take and so on.
The Travel Planner Live is currently under development and may therefore contain errors. After updating, you must indicate whether you want to participate in the beta. The update will now roll out for your iPhone. Update the NS app in the App Store to take advantage of the new features.