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iTrain, an NYC Subway guide on the iPhone

Reader Roger Kenny tipped us off to his cool site for iPhone-using New York Subway travelers. We've seen iPhone subway maps for New York before, and of course Google Maps is always available on the iPhone, but Roger's site goes even further. Not only can you see maps of the lines (via links to the MTA's website) and get directions (via HopStop), but he's also put together an RSS reader that will scroll subway alerts, and other news sites, across the top of your iPhone. If you spend any amount of time navigating New York's subways, it's definitely worth a bookmark.

I wish we had something like it for Chicago. Yes, our El stops (although, strangely enough, while I was writing this story it occurs to me that everyone in Chicago actually calls it "the train"-- I haven't heard it called the El since I moved here) are on Google Maps, but has anyone seen an iPhone "transit portal" for the Windy City? If so, toss it in the comments below, and those of us with big shoulders will thank you.

Reader Roger Kenny tipped us off to his cool site for iPhone-using New York Subway travelers. We've seen iPhone subway maps for New York...
 

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joza

I use the "L" when talking to out of towners. Other wise I just use the lines color/ name.
"Hey Joe jump on the Brown/Ravenswood and I will meet you at Western and then hit the bar."
PS Go Cubs!

October 02 2007 at 12:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tv

It's the "L".. You must must talking to people who just moved here too.. ;)

October 01 2007 at 5:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
badtzmaru

I love sites like this but I too am hoping for a "native" iPhone app because you can't get on the network in the subway!

I have the NYC subway maps stored in my iPhone photos so that helps in times of need.

October 01 2007 at 1:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AngryMac

NYC subway is not so easy for visitors. You can't tell which trains are express or local or whatever. I find it very confusing. But from the time I was a teenager I never had trouble with London or Paris. Maybe they have fewer express trains? I don't know - but the paper map was always enough for me in Paris and London.

October 01 2007 at 1:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kingotho

MTA just announced plans to provide cell signal on the platform, so yes, it won't work if you're already on the train, but if you made it that far, you don't need the site anyway. Also, I've used it (and FeedMe) for news reading on the subway by loading it up beforehand, and trying to remember to not click any links (Doah!)

-RK

October 01 2007 at 1:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeremy

Yeah, great. A website you're supposed to use right when you can't get any cell service. Fantastic idea. Wonderful. Please, out-of-towners who are coming to NYC, DO NOT make the mistake of thinking you'll be able to count on this thing.

October 01 2007 at 12:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brady J. Frey

You spell it 'El'?! Even the transit system spells it 'L' - even people like me who moved to San Francisco from Chicago spell it 'L':)

October 01 2007 at 11:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jacqui

Just adding my completely irrelevant ++ on "the train." Only out-of-towners seem to call it the "El," it seems.

October 01 2007 at 11:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ArcTG

Born, raised and live in Chicago. It's the "el" - trains are run by Metra and AmTrak.

October 01 2007 at 11:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob S.

I don't have an iPhone, but I can use the RTA Trip Planner on my Sidekick, so I assume that "real browser" on the iPhone can use it too. And if you search Google for CTA Alerts SMS, you'll likely find the UPOC-hosted service that sends alerts from both the CTA HQ and riders whenever there's a (noticed) service interruption. Neither service is perfect, but in general you'll get where you're going and you'll sometimes know if there's a problem between you and your destination.

October 01 2007 at 11:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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