Elmhurst and Villa Park Metra riders must create new accounts to keep getting train alerts after Thursday, Nov. 5.
Metra is replacing its email-only notification platform with an upgraded system that adds text messaging, according to a Metra announcement. The old system, managed through "My Metra" accounts on the Metra website, shuts down the same day. Both towns' stations sit on the Union Pacific West line, which runs to Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
No data carries over. For privacy reasons, Metra said it cannot import existing account information into the new platform. Riders who want delay and schedule alerts must create a fresh account at metratracker.com starting Nov. 5.
What's new
The revamped system offers two types of alerts. Service Alerts notify riders about delays, disruptions and schedule changes on their line. Prediction Alerts send estimated or scheduled arrival times for the next few trains at a rider's station.
Each can be customized by time window, day of the week and delivery method. Riders who commute both directions need to set up separate alerts for each trip.
The system also includes an accessibility option. Riders who want notifications about accessibility issues can check a box during setup to receive those alerts by text or email.
Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski said the new system is a major enhancement because it supplies what he called the timeliest and most accurate data and because it gives Metra the ability to communicate by text for the first time.
How to sign up
The new alert system follows an upgrade of Metra's GPS tracking and passenger announcement systems. The metratracker.com website lets riders follow their train on a map and view real-time arrival information.
To register starting Thursday, riders go to metratracker.com, click "Subscribe" and enter their email address and name. Those who want text alerts also enter a phone number. After creating an account, riders click "Alerts: Sign up for station information" to choose their line, station and notification preferences.
The Elmhurst station is at 128 W. 1st St. The Villa Park station is at 349 N. Ardmore Ave. Riders who want alerts for a morning trip downtown and an evening trip home must set up each one separately.
