The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in the US has launched a pilot version of its Train Tracker system, which can provide passengers with estimated arrival times for the next train at all 144 rail stations across the authority's eight rail lines.
The CTA Train Tracker will generate estimated arrival times through a combination of scheduling information and data from the CTA's software, which monitors the signal system to indicate when a portion of track is occupied by a train.
By averaging the times of the last five trains to move across a portion of track, the Train Tracker calculates estimated arrival times at each station.
Customers can select their rail line and the station at the dedicated website to view estimated arrival times, which are provided within a 15min timeframe for the selected station, and results will be refreshed every 20-30 seconds.
Customer alerts are also integrated into the CTA Train Tracker website and will notify passengers of any planned events affecting rail service.
Train Tracker will not be able to provide arrival times for express trains as the system is unable to calculate when a train is running an express service.
Calculated arrival times can only be provided for trains after they have departed from a terminal, and with the exception of the 24-hour Red and Blue lines, Train Tracker will not be able to provide arrival estimates for the first several trains on a service as the system requires at least five trains to start providing estimates.
The CTA said the preliminary release of CTA Train Tracker does not have global positioning system technology and adjustments may be made to improve its functionality and accuracy.
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