MTA offers real-time train info service

The MTA Monday launched a free digital service that shows Long Island Rail Road travelers if their train is arriving on time well before they reach the platform.

The program, found at mta.info/lirr/TrainTime, is in the pilot phase, beginning with the Port Washington branch.

It is to be extended to all other lines in the coming months and can be viewed on any device with Internet access, including smartphones.

Users are asked to enter their origin and destination on the site and will immediately learn if their train is running on time or exactly how late it will be.

Train Time also provides the arrival time at the destination station, as well as track assignments at most origin stations and a list of the stops along the way. It can provide information on up to two transfers.

MTA officials said trains arriving within 5 minutes, 59 seconds of their scheduled time will not appear to be late, in keeping with industry standards. Officials say the system uses real-time train location information provided by GPS and from the LIRR's signal system.

Train Time already has been tested by employees, and the MTA will spend the next few months working out any bugs using viewer feedback to spot problems and make improvements.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

The service does not provide track information for Penn Station because trains there change track assignments quickly and often.

Bill Henderson, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee for the MTA, said his group is glad to see such information in commuters' hands.

"Anything that we can do to provide more useful information for riders is a plus," he said. "Our number one priority over the last five years has been to improve communication between the railroad and riders so they can make their own decisions about what they need to do in terms of their commute."