Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the arrival data come from?

All arrival times come directly from the MTA's official GTFS-Realtime feeds. These are the same feeds that power the countdown clocks in subway stations.

How often is the data updated?

Every time you load a page, we fetch fresh data from the MTA. Nothing is cached — you always see the latest available predictions.

Why do arrival times sometimes jump or disappear?

The MTA updates its predictions continuously based on real-time train positions. A train may be added, removed, or rescheduled as conditions change, which can cause times to shift.

What do the directions (Northbound/Southbound) mean?

Northbound generally means trains heading uptown or toward the Bronx/Queens. Southbound means downtown or toward Brooklyn. On crosstown lines like the L or shuttle, these map to eastbound and westbound.

Are all subway lines included?

Yes. All 26 NYC subway routes are included: the numbered lines (1–7), lettered lines (A–Z), and the Staten Island Railway (SIR).

Does this work for the PATH, LIRR, or Metro-North?

No. This site only covers the NYC subway system operated by the MTA. PATH, LIRR, and Metro-North use separate data systems.

Why are some stations grouped together?

The MTA defines station complexes where multiple stations share a physical connection (e.g., Union Square combines the 4/5/6, L, and N/Q/R/W platforms). We group these so you can see all arrivals in one place.

Is an API key required?

Not for users of this site. The MTA's GTFS-Realtime feeds are publicly available without authentication.