Sydney train commuters will soon have access to real-time information on mobile phones that shows when the next train is coming.

The impending release of transport apps showing up-to-the-minute information about where trains are on the network follows the release late last year of apps showing real-time bus information.

iphone afr 111014 Photo by Louise Kennerley generic new iphone 4S

Before then, Sydney public transport apps had been limited to providing published timetables. But – as commuters know only too well – trains and buses often arrive well outside their timetabled sequence.

Transport for NSW will run an "app hot house" on the weekend of February 16 and 17 for developers to work on apps featuring real-time train information.