Train staff will no longer have to struggle with bulky fare manuals and timetables to help passengers.
The books are to be replaced by tiny pocket PCs containing as much information as seven 12,000-page paper manuals.
The new PCs weigh only 225g, less than 8oz.
They are to be produced by computer services group Sema, which has struck a £24 million supply deal with the Association of Train Operating Companies.
The first of the Windows-based pocket PCs should start appearing on trains in spring 2001.
They are intended to improve customer service and improve staff efficiency when dealing with timetable-related queries.
Bernard Dunn, chairman of the ATOC's rail settlement plan, said: "With this innovative use of technology, rail staff will no longer need to carry large, heavy manuals in order to give information to passengers.
"Furthermore, passengers will have on-train access to fare and timetable information which is both accurate and up to date."
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