Port Authority launches real-time arrival info for light rail
Implementation of the TrueTime system began on buses in 2013. The entire fleet of more than 700 buses was online by early 2015.

Port Authority's new TrueTime system can track light rail vehicles in real time. Photo: Port Authority

Port Authority's new TrueTime system can track light rail vehicles in real time. Photo: Port Authority
Beginning today, Port Authority riders — from Allegheny Station to South Hills Village — can track their light rail vehicles in real time.
This latest effort to make riding public transit more convenient, predictable and accessible marks the final phase of the TrueTime system implementation. The service is available immediately at TrueTime.PortAuthority.org; third-party mobile application developers are expected to integrate the new feature very soon.
Implementation of the TrueTime system began on buses in 2013. The entire fleet of more than 700 buses was online by early 2015.
Port Authority’s goal with TrueTime has been to take the guesswork out of riding. When riders are still at their desks, at home, or in a coffee shop, they can locate their nearest transit options and know how many minutes they have until the next bus or rail car arrives.
“This has been one of the most anticipated items from rail riders for several years,” said Port Authority Interim CEO David Donahoe. “Realtime information reduces the time riders spend waiting for public transit and allows them to make better, more informed decisions about their transit experience.”
Since the last bus was put online, the Authority installed location tracking devices in more than 80 rail vehicles and implemented a system to overcome the limitations of the system while the vehicles are underground.
Today, Port Authority’s TrueTime servers process nearly 4 million requests from internal users and third-party applications every weekday.
Developers can request access to Port Authority’s real-time API under the Company Info & Projects tab at PortAuthority.org.
More Rail

New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →