Metra has officially announced a new real-time train tracker that will give commuters up-to-date departure times, real-time mapping of trains, and the ability to plan out trips within the system. In order to implement the new system, Metra officials say that GPS trackers have been installed at more than 200 stations, along with more than 1,000 train cars. The rollout is expected to last for several months, with more trains added as the year moves along, the agency says.
Per NBC 5, “The tracker, clocking in at a cost of $26.7 million according to the agency, will roll out on Union Pacific lines, as well as the Southwest Service line, which serves the city’s southwestern suburbs, and the BNSF line, which serves the western suburbs.”