• RAIL
  • BUS
  • ROUTE
  • HUMAN

How to track real-time transit arrivals with your AI

Connect the WMATA MCP to your AI client to pull live transit data. Once connected, your agent handles the heavy lifting of checking schedules and vehicle positions.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I use my AI to track WMATA arrivals?

Your AI uses live WMATA data to tell you exactly when the next train is coming or where a bus is located. You get real-time predictions for Metrorail stations and live GPS positions for Metrobus routes.

Transit outcomes

What you'll get

The data your AI pulls from WMATA.

RAIL

Train arrival times

The AI pulls specific predictions for your local Metrorail station. You'll know exactly how many minutes remain until the next train arrives.

BUS

Live bus tracking

Your agent finds the current GPS coordinates of Metrobus vehicles. This helps you see if a bus is stuck in traffic or moving toward your stop.

ROUTE

Circuit predictions

Get timing data for specific transit circuits. Your AI calculates when vehicles will hit certain points along a route.

HUMAN

Manual navigation

The AI provides the data, but you still need to physically navigate the station or bus stop. It cannot guide your walking path or handle fare payments.

The workflow

What your AI does when you ask for transit updates.

The AI acts as a bridge between your chat interface and WMATA's live data feeds.

  1. Check rail timing

    When you ask about a specific station, the AI looks up the upcoming train arrivals for that location.

    get_station_prediction

  2. Locate buses

    If you're waiting for a bus, the AI pulls the real-time position of vehicles on that route.

    get_bus_positions

  3. Predict next train

    The AI can identify the very next rail vehicle expected to arrive at your current station.

    get_next_rail

  4. Analyze circuits

    For complex routes, the AI calculates arrival predictions based on the specific transit circuit data.

    get_circuit_predictions

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger the WMATA tools.

Starting points

Replace the station names and bus routes with your actual commute details.

WMATA Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_EYQRq26ybnEjlKYIt4RwxqPojXK1XYFGw8q2movb/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — WMATA capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "wmata-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_EYQRq26ybnEjlKYIt4RwxqPojXK1XYFGw8q2movb/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • When is the next Metrorail train arriving at Metro Center?

  • Where is the 70 bus currently located?

  • Give me the arrival predictions for the Union Station rail station.

  • Check the circuit predictions for the current bus route.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect WMATA once, then ask.

Click the link to connect the MCP to your client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can immediately start asking about transit.

Connect WMATA to your AI

FAQ

How the transit tracking works

  • 01

    Can my AI pay for my Metrocard?

    No. The AI only accesses transit data; it cannot perform financial transactions or manage fare balances.

  • 02

    Does the AI show a map of the bus location?

    No. The AI provides text-based location data and arrival times. You will need to use a map app if you need a visual interface.

  • 03

    Can the AI tell me if a station is closed?

    No. The tools only provide predictions for active rail and bus services.

  • 04

    How real-time is the bus data?

    The AI uses live GPS positions provided by WMATA to give you the most current location available.

  • 05

    Can I ask about subway delays?

    The AI can provide arrival predictions, but it does not have a tool to report general service alerts or system-wide delays.

  • More questions about WMATA? The Connector page answers them. See everything the WMATA Connector can do

Connect WMATA to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more