Boston Rail: MBTA Tracker

Sealight LLC

In-app purchases

About this app

Track MBTA Commuter Rail trains in real time. Built by a daily rider, Boston Rail (formally MBTA Rail) pairs official real-time data with crowdsourced updates from riders on board and at the station.

Features:

- Crowdsourced reports. The predictions say on time, but you're sitting still outside Back Bay. Other riders know what's actually happening. Share and react to live updates about delays, crowding, equipment issues, and conditions on board.
- Live train tracking. See the current stop, next stop, GPS position, predicted arrivals, train speed, and a clear notice when live GPS is unavailable.
- Boarding tracks. Get track numbers as soon as they're posted, plus typical tracks based on history.
- Departures board. See what's leaving next from South Station, North Station, or Back Bay.
- Favorites and push notifications. Save the trains and routes you ride and get notified about delays, cancellations, track changes, and rider reports.
- Android Live Updates. On Android 16, follow an active trip through an ongoing Live Update with trip progress and status at a glance.
- Coach history. Look up individual coach numbers to see typical tracks, on-time performance, and crowding history.
- Interactive system map. Watch trains move across the Commuter Rail network in real time.
- Schedules and service alerts. View full schedules, upcoming departures, on-time stats, and MBTA alerts for delays, cancellations, and track changes.
- CapeFLYER and Gillette Stadium. Supports special event service.
- Dark mode support.

About the data:

Train locations, schedules, and predictions come from real-time data made available by the MBTA and MassDOT. This app is not affiliated with the MBTA, Keolis, or MassDOT.

Terms of use: https://www.mbtarail.app/terms
Privacy policy: https://www.mbtarail.app/privacy

Ratings and reviews

Best paid app for Commuters. I've been using this since 2018 as an early adopter, and the information I am able to access has helped provide peace of mind and clarity not just for myself, but my fellow commuters. It is 100% worth upgrading to paid for weekly commuters - especially when the weather turns foul and delays start stacking up.

02/2026: I used to give this app 5 stars. Unfortunately, I've had to bring it down to 3 stars because of the paywall features that used to be free. I think one of the most impactful features are the comments from other riders and to have that locked behind a paywall is crazy. /2024: Simple, easy to use, and accurate. What more could you ask for! I hope one day there's Dark Mode, though!

Love the comments section! It gives you better intelligence about why trains aren't moving. I also appreciate whoever lets us know about the departure platform in advance.

What’s new

Bug fixes