Here's what happened when we had a chat with the new TfL TravelBot

We’re still a few years away from driverless tubes, but that’s not the only way the robot revolution might help you get around London in future. Transport for London has just launched a chatbot on Facebook Messenger to keep you updated as you travel in the city. Here’s what it can do…

Give you basic service information on all tube lines plus the Overground, DLR and trams.

Let you know when your bus is coming.

Show you a selection of tube maps.

Boost your fragile self-esteem.

There are still a few things that TravelBot is unable to do, however. Detailed journey planning and tube departure information, for instance…

And it won’t be much help with any of the big questions, either…

However, TfL emphasises that TravelBot is a work in progress. They say its AI will learn from users and make it better at answering queries as it goes along. As for TravelBot itself, it seems quietly confident…

Give TravelBot a try at www.facebook.com/tfltravelbot.