Metra updates website with 'track your train' feature

Metra's revamped website that debuted Wednesday includes one major change from the prior version - a prominently displayed "Track your train" feature that allows passengers to look up train times.

The redo reflects feedback from passengers, CEO Don Orseno said. "When people look at the Metra website, two-thirds of them are looking for what train they want to catch."

Another new feature is a moving icon that shows the location of each train, which is found in the Maps and Schedules section.

"It's much more realistic," Orseno said.

This is the first major website upgrade in seven years, officials said.

The agency estimates it will save about $400,000 a year on its website after switching to a new provider with a new contract it shared with Cook County that also allows the agency to conduct support and development work in-house.

Other changes at metrarail.com allow riders to fine-tune schedule searches between stops and find more information about delayed trains and service changes.