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Kids & Family

Caltrain Announces A New Announcement System

A system to be installed at Caltrain stations will tell riders in real-time when their train will arrive

Caltrain announced today that it will begin testing a "Predictive Arrival and Departure System" that will let riders know if trains are on time and when a train is expected to arrive at the station. The system will use both visual messages and audio announcements similar to the way, for example, BART informs its riders of behind schedule or incoming trains.

The first round of testing will occur during the wek of July 9, according to a press release. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., riders might hear test audio announcements or see the words "This is a test" displayed at the stations. 

The system will use GPS technology that is already installed on Caltrain's locomotives to communicate with Caltrain's Central Control Center. From there, messages and announcements including the train number, scheduled arrival time, and if the train is on time or late, will be sent to the station. The system will also let customers find more exact information about the train's schedule online and sign up for text or email alerts to notify them of delays or late trains.

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If all goes as expected, the system will go live by the end of the year, according to the press release.

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