Commuting by train in Metro Manila often has to be done blind. Until you get to the station, you’re never really sure of details like how crowded a platform is or when the next train should be coming in. A team of Filipino developers recognized this issue, and built an app to “make commuting clearer, smarter, and less stressful.”
TrainSight offers real-time information on train arrival estimates and crowd density. This is achieved through tracker hardware installed on the trains as well as crowdsourced data from user devices running the app.
Speaking with OneNews, founder and lead developer RJ Crusem shared: “I had a thought if it was possible for passengers to know exactly where their trains are or if they are moving. I also drew inspiration from FlightRadar24, which monitors the arrival times of planes.” The team began work on developing TrainSight in 2025, and the app is currently in open beta for Android devices. A web app is also available for use on mobile and desktop browsers.
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TrainSight currently covers the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 lines. The developers have also begun work on backend support for the upcoming MRT-7 line. Besides serving commuters, Crusem also hopes that the app can promote transparency and accountability from public transport providers: “Operators will see the actual movement of their units on the ground. This could help them to respond faster to technical problems.”
The full public launch of TrainSight is set for August on Android devices, and between September and October for Apple devices. Crusem has stated that the development team is in contact with the relevant authorities to support the app’s official launch. In the long term, the team has also expressed its interest in providing the same tracking information for road-based public transport, particularly for public buses.
