As part of the move to Windows Phone 8 Nokia upgraded a number of the key apps for its Lumia devices. Windows Phone 7 users looked on enviously as the newer devices got new and updated functionality. However, Nokia has repeatedly made it clear that it would deliver updates to existing devices where it was able to do so. It's already done this for Nokia Music, and now it's the turn of Nokia Transport.

A beta release of version 3.1 of Nokia's public transport information and route planning app is now available through Nokia Beta Labs and the Windows Phone Store. This release brings the majority of the new functionality available in the Windows Phone 8 version to Windows Phone 7. Specifically there's a new combined segment map and details view (gives an overview of journey), updated icons for stations and places, and the ability to specify date and time in journey planning (allowing you to plan ahead). 

Of the major updates our experience suggest the most useful is the ability to plan ahead. Not only does it give peace of mind for those who like to plan ahead, it's also very useful when working out how much time to allow for journeys, especially late at night when the frequency of public transport services can decrease.

Other minor updates include the ability to specify whether departure times should be displayed as minutes to go or actual times, the ability to manage your destination history, and a setting to specify whether metric or imperial units should be used.

The usefulness of Nokia Transport still depends on whether it has information for your local transport network, but the number of cities that are supported is increasing all the time, and coverage updates now happen automatically in the background, rather than requiring an app update.

Nokia Transport description:

Nokia Transport combines your local public transport options - bus, train, underground - in one simple app. A tap shows you all the different types of transport lines near you. Just type an address or point of interest to learn the best ways to get there. When changing lines or making a transfer Nokia Transport shows you the route with a "glance and go" interface. Pin a tile for your frequently-used destinations to your home screen - one touch shows you the best route options, right now. And in some cities, Nokia Transport will let you know when you need to start walking to the station so you can spend more time enjoying whatever you're doing rather than spending time waiting around at the train or bus stop.

The beta version can be downloaded through the Windows Phone Store via Nokia Beta Labs, the easiest way to do this is by using Bing Vision to scan the QR code on this page.