WMATA to provide new data feed for mobile app developers

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) plans to provide third-party app developers with a new data feed showing real-time locations of trains across the Metrorail system.

The announcement responds to recent requests from developers and is expected to generate new features on WMATA-related mobile apps, agency officials said in a press release.

"We hope that Metro's real-time train data can be used to further enhance the quality of information our riders receive through third-party mobile apps," said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld.

WMATA expects to have real-time train location feed available to developers this summer.

To better understand the needs of the app developer community, WMATA will host a series of "data days" with developers who use the agency's data feeds. Developers will be able to share their apps and data visualizations, explore potential new features and discuss how WMATA's data can be enhanced to support those new features, agency officials said.

WMATA first made train arrival predictions available in September 2010.