Amtrak Launches New Wayfinding App for New York’s Penn Station

Today Amtrak launched the FindYourWay app, a new, real-time customer information app exclusively for use inside New York’s Penn Station. The app provides real-time gate, train, and boarding information for Amtrak trains, and also helps you navigate the station to find restrooms, exits, ATMs, and restaurants. FindYourWay is currently available for free download in both the Apple and Android app stores.

Amtrak tapped Zyter to place approximately 300 “beacons” throughout Penn Station. These beacons enable proximity sensing, communicating with the FindYourWay app via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app will share relevant directions and information to nearby points of interest within the station based on your proximity to a beacon. FindYourWay deactivates itself once you leave the station, and will automatically reactivate the next time you enter the station. While the app currently only serves Penn Station, Amtrak is considering bringing FindYourWay to other high-traffic stations. In the future, potential updates to the app may feature station deals, reminders, and rewards.

The release of the FindYourWay app comes on the heels of the recently completed New York Penn Station Renewal work, which is one element of Amtrak’s plan to modernize stations, infrastructure, and equipment on the Northeast Corridor. Recently, Amtrak also announced additional improvement initiatives at Penn Station, including the modernization of restrooms, waiting areas, and Acela Lounge.