LONDON -- Londoners can now receive Twitter alerts about delays on the underground and railway networks in their Direct Message inbox. 

Until now, commuters who wanted updates on the service status had to go Transport for London's (TfL's) website. A beta project launched by TfL and Twitter and described as a "world first" allows passengers to opt-in for automatic alerts which will be sent to their DM inbox on their phone or computer. 

There is also an option for Londoners to choose their commuting time of the day in which they wish to receive alerts to avoid cluttering their inbox with unnecessary messages.

Newly elected Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Like every Londoner I rely on public transport to get me around and this world-first service looks set to become an essential tool for millions of Tube passengers."

"It is an innovative way of providing people with live updates from the Underground and contributes to my goal of making it as easy as possible to get around the capital."

Dara Nasr, Managing Director, Twitter UK, added: “Up to the minute information around severe disruption is a daily must-have for everyone, and the live nature of Twitter is the perfect companion for this."

To opt in to the alerts, go to http://tfl.gov.uk/twitter-alerts.

However, you won't be able to see the alerts while on a traveling Tube train because there is no connectivity in the tunnels. Virgin Media offers Wi-Fi access at Underground stations.  

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