We know you’ve been asking for it, and now it’s almost here: soon you’ll be able to receive texts from Metra about schedules and service disruptions.
The new service is a function of our new train tracking system, which you can access at metratracker.com. Starting soon, you’ll be able to sign up to receive two types of texts or emails from us:
- Predictions: You tell us which line or lines and which stations you use, and when and how often you want to receive them, and we’ll send you the predicted times for the next trains that will make your trip. For instance, say you ride the BNSF Line from Naperville to Union Station in the morning between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. You can ask us to send predicted departure times for your trip (which may or may not vary from the scheduled times) during that time as frequently as you want.
- Service alerts: We’ll alert you about major service disruptions on the line you use during the time you use it.
The new metratracker.com, which was made possible by a wholesale replacement of the previous, outdated train-tracking system, features an interactive map that allows customers to see the location of trains along the line or lines that they select, so they can see exactly where their train is and how soon it will reach their station. Customers can click on stations or trains on the map to see real-time information about trains and schedules. It also allows riders to view schedules and plan a trip on Metra.
The new system will replace the current email alert system, which required customers to create My Metra accounts to sign up for alerts. We can’t switch your current choices to the new system, so everyone will have to sign up again. The systems will overlap for a time, to give everyone a chance to sign up under the new system.