PennTrack LIRR - Data Sources

GTFS Static Schedule

The official LIRR schedule data published by the MTA. Contains train schedules, route information, stop sequences, and service patterns. Updated periodically when schedules change.

Active Updated: Weekly

Source: MTA Developer Resources

GTFS-RT Real-Time Feed

Real-time train positions, delays, and trip updates. Provides current location of trains, estimated arrival times, and delay information. Polled every 30 seconds.

Active Polling: 30s

Source: MTA GTFS-RT TripUpdates and VehiclePositions feeds

TrainTime Solari Board

The departure board data from Penn Station - the same information shown on the Solari-style flip boards. Provides track assignments approximately 7 minutes before scheduled departure, before trains actually start running.

Active Polling: 15s

Endpoint: /solari/NYK - Returns 30 upcoming departures with track assignments

TrainTime Locations API

Real-time positions and consist information for active trains. Provides car counts, equipment type (M7/M9/C3), occupancy levels, and GPS locations for trains currently running on the network.

Active Polling: 30s

Provides: Consist info, equipment type, occupancy, real-time GPS positions

Track Prediction Engine

Custom prediction system that uses historical patterns, infrastructure rules, and real-time constraints to predict track assignments before they are announced.

Prediction Factors:

Historical patterns - Same train/route often uses same tracks
Infrastructure routing - Track-to-tunnel relationships (North vs South ladder)
Equipment type - Diesel trains restricted to tracks 17-18
Track occupancy - Real-time conflicts from current train positions
Platform conflicts - Adjacent track on same island platform
Consist length - Long trains need tracks with sufficient capacity