If you've ever sprinted through the station only to see your train pull away, you're not alone. For many Metro Manila commuters, waiting for the next train often means guessing when it will arrive. A new Filipino-made platform called TrainSight hopes to change that by giving passengers real-time updates on LRT and MRT trains.
See Where Your Train Is Before It Arrives
TrainSight lets commuters track trains on LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 through any web browser, so there's no app to install. Simply select your train line and station to view a train's location, estimated arrival time, speed, next stops, and even reported crowd levels.
The platform also allows users to set notifications for arriving or departing trains. Once onboard, it can even tell passengers which side the train doors will open at the next station. A low-graphics mode is also available for faster loading on slower internet connections.
How Does It Work?
TrainSight currently relies on crowdsourced data from commuters who choose to share their location while riding. By analyzing a phone's movement, the platform estimates where trains are, how fast they're traveling, and when they'll reach the next station. According to the developers, users' personal location data is not stored.
When live data isn't available, TrainSight displays schedule-based estimates marked as "predicted trains," helping commuters plan even when fewer users are connected.
The platform was created by 28-year-old Cavite software engineer RJ Crusem, who drew inspiration from FlightRadar24, the popular website that tracks aircraft in real time.
More Features Are Coming Soon
The TrainSight team is developing onboard tracking devices to improve accuracy and is coordinating with AF Payments Inc., the company behind the beep card system, as it expands the platform.
An Android app is expected to launch in August, with an iOS version following between September and October. TrainSight is also preparing support for MRT-7 and could eventually expand its technology to buses and other public transportation, making daily commutes more convenient for millions of Filipinos.
