BEIJING, CHINA: Passengers travelling by the metro in Shanghai can now access all kinds of information, including maps, stations, routes and even the location of toilets, through a newly-launched mobile phone application.

Metro operator Shanghai Shentong launched Sunday the free applications on mobile phones, initially on Apple, offering information about the city's 11 metro lines, the Shanghai Daily reported Monday.

Through the application, passengers can also get "real-time" advice on which lines are crowded and get suggestions on alternative routes.

However, it has been made available initially only for Apple devices but will be extended to other mobile phones in the coming months.