The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rolls out a redesigned website and app to simplify trip planning. Also, some Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) stations staff are now equipped with body-worn cameras to improve safety on transit; Valley Metro launches a new AI chatbot for rider information and trip planning; and Caltrain is named one of Time Magazine’s Ten Most Influential Transportation Companies.
A new WMATA website will launch on Sunday, May 17, providing customers with a faster, simpler way of planning trips, checking service, and getting real-time information.
On Sunday, May 31, customers will also have access to the updated Metro Pulse app on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Both the site and app, the agency says, were revamped with customer input in mind and focus on what matters most to customers: “how to get around on Metro, fares, and customer support.”
“We are committed to continuously improving the customer experience,” said Metro Chief Customer Officer Sarah Meyer. “We know customers rely on Metro for clear, dependable information, and these upgrades deliver exactly that.”
More information is available here.
Managers and supervisors, members of CUPE Local 5585, in TTC subway stations are now wearing body-worn cameras in a move that will “improve safety, based on data and studies from across the world, while encouraging more respectful interactions between customers and staff,” according to the agency.
The phased introduction of the cameras for stations staff follows the successful rollout of the devices with TTC Special Constables and Provincial Offences Officers in January 2025. TTC staff who already wear cameras report a noticeable improvement in their overall perception of safety, the agency noted.
From now until the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the TTC is rolling out body-worn cameras to almost 150 station staff. As part of the station staff body-worn camera program, the TTC will be collecting data, assessing the effectiveness of the devices, and fine-tuning the program “to ensure we provide our staff with the maximum benefit of this technology, as proven across the world on similar subway systems,” the agency said.
“Maintaining the safety of customers and employees is a top priority for the TTC and the Board,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “The Board’s unanimous approval on April 16 means the program will be in place and be part of the TTC’s comprehensive FIFA World Cup 2026™ safety and security plans.”
“The evidence from peer organizations from around the world is compelling; body-worn cameras are an effective and efficient way to protect our employees,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “It’s extremely important that we utilize proven worldwide technology to further enhance safety for station staff as we’ve seen an increase in offences against this group in recent months and that cannot be allowed to continue.”
In keeping with existing TTC policies, the cameras, according to TTC, will be highly visible and activated only in situations beyond standard customer interactions, such as safety or security incidents, during wellness checks, or when a customer requests that an interaction be recorded.
Valley Metro has launched a new chatbot on its homepage, “giving riders a faster, more convenient way to get information and plan trips across the region in multiple languages.”
Available 24/7, the chatbot, Valley Metro says, “helps riders quickly find answers to common questions, plan trips using real-time and scheduled departure information, locate nearby stops and check bus and rail schedules.”
The chatbot appears in the lower right corner of the Valley Metro homepage, where riders can type questions or trip details to receive instant responses, making it easier to plan and navigate a trip at any time of day.
This new feature works alongside Valley Metro’s Customer Service team, providing an additional option for riders who want quick answers.
This chatbot, Valley Metro says, will continue to improve based on rider feedback. Responses are powered by information from the Valley Metro website and may occasionally be imperfect as the tool continues to evolve, the agency noted.
Time Magazine recently named Caltrain one of its 10 Most Influential Transportation Companies, recognizing the agency’s electrification project and its best-in-the-nation ridership growth in 2025.
Since the launch of electrified service, Caltrain has provided cleaner air for communities along the corridor and faster, more frequent service for riders throughout the San Francisco Peninsula with a state-of-the-art electric fleet featuring modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, baby changing tables in the bathroom and much more, the agency noted.
The new electrified system hasn’t just transformed Caltrain’s service—it’s designed to serve generations to come, the agency said. Daily, Caltrain carries the equivalent of three lanes of Highway 101 traffic, representing 36,000 daily car trips, which would add 828,000 miles of driving and generate 220 metric tons of carbon dioxide each day.
“Electrifying the Caltrain corridor was a challenging task that required years of planning and effort,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “Today, that hard work is paying off for millions of commuters every month, and it is gratifying to have these efforts recognized and celebrated.”
This honor is one of many Caltrain has received since completing its Electrification Project. Since the launch of electrified service, Caltrain has received the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Commuter Rail Safety Gold Award, the 2025 Sustainability Award from Sustainable San Mateo County, and the Build America Highway & Transportation Renovation Award from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA).