Metrorail Next Train IVR

Metrorail customers can now get real-time next train arrival information by phone, in addition to online and via web-enabled mobile devices.

Customers may simply call Metro's Customer Information phone number, 202-637-7000, and say "Next Train." They then will be prompted to say a station name or enter the first four letters of the station name to hear when the next trains will arrive at the selected station within a 20-minute window.

For stations that serve more than two Metrorail lines, such as Gallery Pl-Chinatown, L'Enfant Plaza and Metro Center Metrorail stations, customers will be prompted to say or enter the Metrorail line color they are traveling on such as "Red Line" or "Green Line."

Customers may also get real-time next train arrival information on Metro's Web site and through web-enabled mobile devices. To access the information online, customers can visit http://www.metroopensdoors.com, select "Rail" under "Next Bus & Train Arrivals" at the top of the page, and then select a station. The page will refresh every 20 seconds.

To access next train arrival information through a web-enabled device, customers can visit http://www.wmata.com/mobile on their device, select "Next Train," and then select a station.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• wmata
• washington
• dc
• subway
• train
• bus
• public
• transportation
• metro
• transit
• next

[schuminweb]

I see a problem with the example provided. As trains to Silver Spring do not service Forest Glen, Wheaton, and Glenmont, providing only one Silver Spring train and one Glenmont train isn't helpful to someone traveling to Forest Glen, Wheaton, or Glenmont, as those people have to have a Glenmont train to get where they're going. Thus providing times for two Silver Spring trains and two Glenmont trains would be more helpful, since the two destinations are not created equal.

[metroopensdoors]

@schuminweb The system has the same information as the PIDS. In the example given, it is possible that what would be a third train to Glenmont was more than 8 minutes away from the 12 minute Silver Spring train, putting it outside the 20 minute reporting window.

[schuminweb]

@metroopensdoors So, for instance, during rush hour, the phone system would provide three trains per direction if the PIDS was displaying such information?

[metroopensdoors]

@schuminweb Yes.

[schuminweb]

@metroopensdoors Does Metro have any plans for extending the reporting window beyond 20 minutes? Would be greatly helpful during late nights and on weekends.

[metroopensdoors]

@schuminweb We checked in to it and found that 20 minutes is the "sweet spot" in terms of system accuracy.

[seanr1978]

That video is... odd.

;-)

[hyrcan]

Some one had some spare time on their hands.

[oscardaone]

: /

[belmontst]

This gets a what the fuck from me.

[KingBuick]

@seanr1978 It sure is. I don't know about you, but the animated characters look like they're from the Sims or something. Their lips are out of synch with their voice. I don't think Metro did a great job making this video for people. This new system might even be as bad as the "Next Bus" system, which is always wrong when I use it.

[Animainiac85]

Oh Sephiroth, you and your lack of technology :D

Seriously though, that's pretty cool for someone who doesn't have a computer or is computer illiterate.