Real-Time Information Lets Customers Choose Cars With Most Open Seats

Introduction on New Haven Line Follows Earlier Installation on Harlem and Hudson Lines in 2020

View Screen Shots Showing App Functionality

View App Demo Video

MTA Metro-North Railroad today announced that New Haven Line customers can now see the amount of space available on each car of an approaching train by looking at digital signs on platforms five minutes before a train arrives or by using the Metro-North Train Time app at any time. The feature is designed to help customers find cars with the most available seats on a train before boarding. The technology was launched on the Harlem and Hudson Lines in November 2020.

“I am excited that many more Metro-North customers are now able to use this technology,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “As riders continue to return to Metro-North, this makes it even easier to plan your ride. I want to thank all of the hardworking MTA employees for their work on this transformative project.”

The capacity tracking feature was rolled out by car fleet. It became available in November 2020 for most trains operating on electric portions of the Harlem Line and Hudson Line – trains composed of the newer “M7” railcars. Crews continue to work to bring capacity tracking technology to the diesel sections of the lines and to older “M3” electric rail cars.

Customers who already have the app installed will receive an automatic update with the new feature.

The project was completed by Metro-North in-house staff.

Since its inception in 2013, the free mobile app, which is available from Google Play and the AppStore, has provided real-time status and schedule information to customers via their smartphones, along with destination, track assignment and real-time position of the next 12 trains at a given station. Features also include service alerts, fare information, ADA accessibility, parking availability and connecting services. The app is also translated into six languages -- English, Spanish, Chinese, Yiddish, Portuguese and Italian.

Highlights of the Metro-North Train Time app include:

• New, refreshed interface with detailed results
• Real-time capacity tracking to enhance social distancing
• Real-time train location updated every three seconds
• Closed car notifications
• Ability to bookmark favorite trips
• Easier access to eTix
• Six available languages -- English, Spanish, Chinese, Yiddish, Portuguese and Italian