Chicago Metra Commuter Rail

Real-time Chicago Metra commuter rail data — train arrivals (GTFS-RT protobuf), vehicle positions, service alerts, schedule info, and fare calculation for all 11 Metra lines serving the six-county northeastern Illinois region. Requires a free API key for all feeds.

When to Use

• User asks about Metra, Chicago commuter rail, or commuter trains in Chicago
• User asks "when is the next train" in a Chicago suburban context
• User mentions specific Metra lines: BNSF, UP-N, UP-NW, UP-W, MD-N, MD-W, ME (Metra Electric), RI (Rock Island), NCS, HC (Heritage Corridor), SWS (SouthWest Service)
• User mentions specific Metra stations: Union Station, Ogilvie, Millennium Station, LaSalle Street, Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, Evanston, Highland Park, etc.
• User asks about Metra service alerts, delays, or construction
• User asks about Metra fares, zones, monthly passes, Ventra
• User asks about Chicago train schedules (distinguish from CTA "L" trains — Metra is commuter rail)

When NOT to Use

• User asks about CTA trains (the "L"), CTA buses, or Pace buses — those are separate systems
• User asks about Amtrak long-distance trains at Union Station