How to Use the CTA MCP in Claude Code

Q: How do I add the CTA MCP Server to Claude Code?

Run claude mcp add --transport http cta-mcp -- in your terminal. Claude Code will automatically register the eleven Chicago transit tools on your local MCP instance.

Q: Can I pipe CTA predictions from Claude Code to other CLI tools?

Yes. Claude Code can run getbuspredictions and output the raw Chicago transit arrival data as JSON, which you can easily pipe into jq or local shell scripts.

Q: How do I find specific Chicago bus stop IDs using the CLI?

You can ask the agent to call getbusstops with a route number like 22, and it will list all stop IDs and coordinates directly in your terminal.

Pipe real-time Chicago CTA transit data straight to your terminal with Claude Code.

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Connect CTA MCP to Claude Code

Create your Vinkius account to connect CTA to Claude Code and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup CTA with Claude Code

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Terminal-based L train tracking with Claude Code

The `get_train_positions` tool lets you query the exact locations, run numbers, and delay statuses of active L trains directly from your command line. Claude Code pulls this system-wide fleet data instantly, saving you from navigating clunky web interfaces. You can pipe this train data directly into shell scripts or local JSON files. If you need to check if the Blue Line is backed up before leaving the office, Claude Code queries the live API and prints a clean, formatted terminal summary in seconds.

Scriptable CTA bus predictions on the command line

The `get_bus_predictions` tool returns real-time arrival times, route IDs, and vehicle tracking metrics for any Chicago bus stop. Claude Code queries these arrival predictions directly from your terminal session to help you automate commute checks. You can use this MCP Server to build cron jobs or local shell aliases. Claude Code hooks into `get_bus_stops` to resolve stop IDs, maps them to your local coordinates, and outputs precise departure times without any GUI overhead.

Headless service alerts for DevOps pipelines

The `get_service_alerts` tool exposes active transit disruptions, maintenance schedules, and alternative route recommendations. Claude Code parses these raw alerts via the command line, making it easy to feed transit data into status monitors. If you are running automated tests or status dashboards, Claude Code uses `get_route_status` to verify system health. It checks the official `get_system_time` to align timestamps, giving your scripts a reliable way to validate transit API connectivity.

Setup guide

Set up CTA MCP in Claude Code

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed (npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Run the add command

Open your terminal and run the command shown on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com. Use --scope user to make it available across all projects.
2

Verify the connection

Start a Claude Code session and type /mcp to list connected servers. You should see cta-mcp with a green status indicator.
3

Start using tools

Ask Claude Code something like "Check my latest CTA transactions." It will automatically discover and invoke the available CTA tools.

Terminal

claude mcp add --transport http cta-mcp https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

Get your connection token →

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open the config file

Create or edit .mcp.json in your project root for project-level scope, or ~/.claude.json for user-level scope.
2

Add the CTA MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Code

Start a new Claude Code session. Type /mcp to confirm the server is connected. The tools will be automatically available in your conversation.

.mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cta-mcp": {
      "type": "url",
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by CTA. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about CTA MCP in Claude Code

Run `claude mcp add --transport http cta-mcp -- ` in your terminal. Claude Code will automatically register the eleven Chicago transit tools on your local MCP instance.

Yes. Claude Code can run get_bus_predictions and output the raw Chicago transit arrival data as JSON, which you can easily pipe into jq or local shell scripts.

No. Vinkius handles the authorization and endpoint tokens on its hosted infrastructure, so your Claude Code terminal agent connects securely over MCP with a single command.

You can ask the agent to call get_bus_stops with a route number like 22, and it will list all stop IDs and coordinates directly in your terminal.

Your queries for CTA bus coordinates, train run numbers, and station IDs are processed in secure, short-lived V8 sandboxes. We do not store, log, or track the specific transit lines or geographical coordinates you query.

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