Metra riders can now use the power of Google to do online trip planning using Google Transit. To start planning your trip, just type in a departure and destination address and this easy-to-use trip planner will provide the next three Metra train departure times from the station closest to that starting address.
Google Transit is still in the beta design phase of Google Maps, so Metra continues to work with Google regarding the best implementation of the product in a commuter rail environment. At present time, the product does not provide driving directions to a station when the starting address is beyond a reasonable walk. Whereas a city transit bus agency has a high density of bus stops within walking distance, a user planning a train trip to or from a suburban area may be provided a long walk to or from that station, or the trip planner may not be able to successfully link the starting address to a train station.Metra decided to launch the trip planner due to the familiarity and confidence consumers have in Google products. As a short-term solution if walking directions are provided, they can also be used as driving directions to get to or from the station. Additionally, by using the zoom feature a user can self navigate and locate the train icon on the map which can familiarize them with the station location. Clicking the station icon will display an address information box to request "To" and "From" driving directions as a separate window. If connecting service is needed in Chicago, CTA trips are linked to Metra service. However, Pace suburban bus service is not available at this time. For Pace routes that serve Metra stations, visit the appropriate Metra station page for a listing of their routes and click on the individual route to see its schedule information from that Metra station. Pace information is also available at pacebus.com.
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