The people in charge of Tri-Rail say they want to take the guessing game out of train arrivals and departures.
So they plan to totally revamp the commuter rail's passenger information system.
Tri-Rail officials admit the system they use to inform their passengers about train statuses and delays is woefully out of date. And younger riders accustomed to social media and up-to-the-minute alerts are driving the need for more real-time information.
So Tri-Rail will spend about $5 million on new technology. The upgrades will include state-of-the-art message boards for train platforms and passenger cars, as well as regular audio announcements.
Tri-Rail spokeswoman Bonnie Arnold says the new system should be up and running by 2016.
"We're hoping to develop a phone app that will give you on-time information; train tracking, in essence," says Arnold. "Because that's what people need to do. They need to know that information."
The plan also includes wireless internet on Tri-Rail trains and at stations. Right now, WiFi is only available at the Boca Raton station.
Currently, the only way Tri-Rail's 15,000 daily passengers can track their trains is by signing up for e-mail alerts, calling a customer service phone number or checking Tri-Rail's website for updates.
