How to Use the LA Metro MCP in Claude

Get real-time LA Metro bus and rail data right inside Claude Desktop to plan trips or check service status without switching windows.

See Vinkius in Action

Works with every AI agent you already use

…and any MCP-compatible client

MCP Servers - Free for Subscribers

Connect LA Metro MCP to Claude Desktop

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

GDPR Free for Subscribers

Setup LA Metro with Claude Desktop

Ask AI about this MCP

ChatGPT

Claude

Perplexity

Get Live Train Arrivals and Bus Locations

Ask Claude for the next train at any Metro Rail station. The `get_rail_arrivals` tool pulls live prediction data, telling you exactly when the next Red, Purple, or Expo line train is due. You can also find out where every train is on the map with `get_rail_vehicle_positions`. This isn't just for rail. Use `get_bus_locations` to see active buses on a specific route or `get_stop_predictions` for the ETA at your stop. It's live data, not a static schedule, fed directly into your chat.

Plan Rail Trips and Check for Delays with this MCP Server

Tell Claude your start and end stations. It uses `get_rail_to_rail` to map out the entire journey, including transfers and estimated travel time. It's like having a trip planner built into your chat session. Before you head out, always ask about service status. The `get_service_alerts` tool checks for current disruptions, maintenance, or delays across the whole system. You'll know if the Blue Line is single-tracking before you even leave home.

Discover Routes and Stops Across Los Angeles

Not sure which bus or train to take? Your agent can use `get_bus_routes` and `get_rail_routes` to list all available lines. It's perfect for figuring out how to get from the Valley to the South Bay. Once you know your route, use `get_bus_stops` or `get_rail_stations` to find the exact stop or station ID you need for other queries. Claude can pull up station coordinates, line affiliations, and cross-streets on command with this MCP toolset.

Setup guide

Set up LA Metro MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The LA Metro MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the LA Metro MCP configuration

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

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under la-metro-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "la-metro-mcp": {
      "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 LA Metro. 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.

Why Choose Vinkius

Vinkius connects your tools to AI with real-time monitoring and automatic cost savings — all from one dashboard.

Connect LA Metro now

Real-time monitoring

Live

visibility into every interaction

Connect your favorite tools to your AI and see exactly what's happening — every request, every response, in real time.

Built-in savings

60%

lower AI costs

Vinkius compresses data between your apps and your AI automatically. Lower bills every month — no configuration required.

Single dashboard

One

place for every integration

Every tool your AI connects to, managed from a single screen. One account, complete control.

Common questions about LA Metro MCP in Claude Desktop

You connect the LA Metro server to Claude, and it gives your agent 12 new tools for transit data. You can then ask questions like 'When's the next bus at stop 1234?' and it will use the tools to get you a live answer.

Yes. Just ask Claude to 'show all buses on route 720.' It will use the `get_bus_locations` tool to pull the real-time coordinates and heading for every active bus on that line.

Absolutely. Ask 'are there any delays on the Red Line?' and Claude's agent will use the `get_service_alerts` tool to give you a summary of any current incidents or maintenance affecting service.

Ask Claude to 'list all stations on the Gold Line' or 'find the station ID for Union Station.' It uses `get_rail_stations` to look up the official ID, which you'll need for arrival predictions.

This server only handles public transit data from LA Metro's official API—things like bus locations, route schedules, and station names. It doesn't access any of your personal files or data. Vinkius isolates each MCP request in an ephemeral sandbox, so your queries are processed without being stored.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

Connect this server to Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and more.

OpenAI Agents SDK sdk-python

Google ADK sdk-python

Pydantic AI sdk-python

Vercel AI SDK sdk-typescript