The strong-arming by RailCorp, which invoked its copyright over timetable data, sparked a furore online and Rees was alerted to the issue over Twitter. Last week, he promised he would "look into it". In a new Twitter message, Rees indicated he would override RailCorp's decision and force the bureaucracy to meet the mobile software developers and work out a way they can use the timetable data.

"I've asked [Transport] Minister [David] Campbell to speak to RailCorp. They will meet with the app developers to negotiate how to use the info accurately," Rees wrote. Campbell this morning confirmed he had "asked RailCorp to meet with these developers and see if they can work together on a way forward". While the Victorian and Western Australian governments have had no issues with developers making programs to help commuters check train times, RailCorp has taken a hardline stance, saying the applications were providing "out-of-date" timetables.

The applications use timetable information sourced from the CityRail website but if CityRail updates those timetables, the developer must send out a new version of software for it to remain up-to-date. Also, since the apps are based on fixed timetable information, they do not account for service delays, although the developers have said they want to add this feature into future versions.

"The Government is committed to providing information to our commuters in a fast and convenient way but we need to make sure it's accurate," said Campbell. "The concern is that these applications include timetabled information only, but do not include updates such as trackwork, special event services or service interruptions. It's important that our frontline workers don't cop abuse from people because they are using an iPhone with out-of-date information." Nick Maher, who stopped selling his TrainView and TripView applications for the iPhone and other mobiles after RailCorp's threats, said he had not yet been contacted by RailCorp to arrange a meeting but the news that Rees and Campbell had stepped in was "fantastic".

"My feeling is that all you really need is a disclaimer on the front of these apps saying that RailCorp doesn't take responsibility for the data in it," Maher said. "People have common sense and they know that the times in these applications are not endorsed by RailCorp, so they're not going to hold RailCorp responsible. They're going to hold the application's developers responsible and they're going to send negative feedback and reviews to the app developers if the times are not accurate - you'd think it should be self regulating like that."

Maher said he was hoping to come to an agreement with RailCorp on how he could incorporate service delays and other updates into his applications. Alvin Singh, who created the Transit Sydney application, said the Premier's response was "exactly what was needed". "From my perspective the data should be open so people like Google and other app developers can develop on other platforms as well - because CityRail can't cover every single platform," he said.

Google Maps offers transport timetables for Adelaide and Perth, but Google has not yet been able to secure the rights to provide the feature for other cities. Sydney data may now be easier for Google to obtain following Rees's instructions.