From Chaos to Calm: A UX Look at the Official Network of Railway Passengers (RDMNS) App

Official Network of Railway Passengers (RDMNS) App User Experience Success story

(Copyright: www.nazly.me 2017)

Do you know? At its peak, over 35% of Sri Lankans relied on the railways (adb.org), but train travel used to be a hassle. Passengers faced crowds, outdated schedules, missing station contacts, and a complete lack of information about train carriages — all before their trip even started.

But some train lovers in Sri Lanka said, “Enough!” They felt the pain and decided to build a better way. That’s how the RDMNS app was born — a user-friendly tool to fix all those travel headaches.

Sri Lanka Train Passengers Categorization
Before diving into the RDMNS app and how it tackles train travel pain points, let’s explore the main categories of Sri Lankan train passengers and their goals.

(Design by myself — icon credit/flaticon)

1. Regular Traveler

• These people rely on trains for daily travel — work, school, and daily routines.
• Affordability, efficiency, and reliable schedules are their top priorities.

2. The Long-Distance Traveler

• These passengers use trains for intercity journeys — holidays, visiting family, and events.
• Comfort (think first-class options), luggage space, and scenic routes might be important.

3. The Leisure Rider

• A smaller group chooses trains for fun trips — attracted by scenic routes or the experience itself.
• Comfortable seating, a station contact number, and opportunities to interact with fellow passengers might be appealing.

The RDMNS App Solves Train Travel Challenges

So, how does the RDMNS app tackle these common pain points? Here’s a breakdown

Outdated Timetables — RDMNS provides real-time train locations, delays, and cancellations.

Missing Station Contacts — The app integrates contact information for all stations.

Unclear Carriages — View representations of different carriage types (first class, second class, etc.).

Delays and Cancellations with No Warning — Stay updated on schedule changes and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Misplaced Something — RDMNS Lost & Found section helps you recover lost items.

Feeling Unsafe — A dedicated “Quick Call” feature connects you with railway security for emergencies.

The User-Centric Secret Behind RDMNS’s Success

The RDMN team understands train travel firsthand. They leverage this by:

Large & Active Community: A thriving Facebook group (159k Members) provides a direct line to user experiences. User feedback helps them identify needs and ensure the app addresses genuine pain points.

Targeted Solutions: Features focus on what truly matters to different types of passengers.

Real-World Testing: The Facebook group serves as a testing ground for new features and functionalities.

Positive User Reception

The app’s success is evident in its:

• Over 100,000 Downloads across platforms
• High Ratings: Play Store (4.6 stars) and Apple Store (4.7 stars)

The RDMNS app isn’t just another train app. It’s designed with you, the user, in mind. To make your train journeys stress-free, the RDMNS app focuses on five key areas.

1. Clear Communication: No more deciphering confusing jargon! The app uses plain English for button labels, menus, and even error messages. You’ll always know exactly what to do.

1. Easy Navigation at a Glance: RDMNS uses clear icons and a well-organized layout. The app’s easy navigation lets you find what you need quickly, freeing up time to relax and enjoy your trip.

1. Accessibility for Everyone: The RDMNS team wants everyone to have a great train experience. They’re exploring ways to make the app accessible to a wider range of users, including features like multiple languages (Sinhala, English) , consistent language within the app.

Note: RDMNS can improve accessibility further by considering features like screen readers and adjustable text size. This would cater to a broader range of Sri Lankan train travelers, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all.

1. Real-Time Updates: The app provides live train locations, delays, and schedule changes, empowering you to make informed decisions about your trip.

1. Seamless Interactions, Seamless Journey: Users can effortlessly complete tasks within the app. The interface and user experience (UX) are designed to be intuitive and familiar, minimizing confusion.

In wrapping up, I’d like to highlight a few suggestions that could really elevate the RDMNS app

1. To boost user engagement, think about providing information that’s specifically geared towards tourists. This is especially important considering the significant increase of 106.6% in tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2022 (source: sltda.gov.lk).
2. To gain valuable feedback and effectively address accessibility barriers within the app, it’s important to conduct user testing sessions with individuals who have different disabilities.
3. Ensure screen reader compatibility, particularly with popular options like VoiceOver for iOS and TalkBack for Android, to accommodate users reliant on text-to-speech functionality.
4. Expanding language options, such as including Tamil, may broaden the app’s appeal and attract a larger Tamil audience.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you found it valuable, please consider giving it a ‘like’ and sharing it with your friends. Your support is greatly appreciated ✌️

Reference

https://railway.gov.lk/web/images/pdf/2021.pdfhttps://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/49111-005-efa.pdf
https://www.sltda.gov.lk/storage/common_media/Monthly_Tourist_Arrivals_Report_December.pdf
https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/interaction-design#:~:text=Interaction%20Design%20(IxD)%20is%20the,output%20to%20suit%20precise%20demandshttps://roar.media/english/life/srilanka-life/community-train-enthusiasts
https://www.seat61.com/SriLanka.htm.