mta

Retrieve real-time NYC subway and bus data from MTA GTFS-RT and SIRI feeds.

1|2|Updated Feb 17, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/brianleach/mta-skill --skill mta
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: mta
Source: https://github.com/brianleach/mta-skill/tree/main
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/brianleach/mta-skill --skill mta

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires protobufjs, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides real-time information about New York City's public transit system, helping users navigate subways and buses efficiently and avoid delays.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Real-time Arrivals: Get live subway and bus arrival times for specific stations and stops.
  • Service Alerts: Check for delays, planned work, and service changes affecting subway lines and bus routes.
  • Route & Stop Discovery: Find subway lines, bus routes, and nearby stops.
  • Use Case: A user can ask "When is the next A train at Penn Station?" and receive an accurate arrival time, along with any relevant service alerts for that line.

Quick Start

Ask the mta skill for subway arrivals at Times Square.

Frequently Asked Questions about mta

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I get real-time subway arrivals for a specific NYC station?

Real-time subway arrivals are retrieved by querying the MTA GTFS-RT protobuf feeds for specific stations. You can ask for the next train at a given station to receive live arrival times alongside active service alerts.

Do I need an API key to check real-time bus predictions?

Yes, retrieving real-time bus predictions requires an optional MTA_BUS_API_KEY. Subway arrivals and service alerts function without it, but bus queries require this key for the SIRI JSON API integration.

Can I find subway lines and bus routes using NYC transit data?

Yes, route and stop discovery allows you to find subway lines, bus routes, and nearby stops using NYC transit data. This functionality parses the MTA GTFS-RT protobuf feeds and SIRI JSON API.

How do I check for subway delays and planned service changes?

Subway delays and planned service changes are provided through service alerts. Querying the GTFS-RT feeds returns active delays and service changes affecting specific subway lines and bus routes.

What data formats are used for NYC subway and bus transit information?

NYC subway and bus transit information is delivered using GTFS-RT protobuf feeds and SIRI JSON API formats. These data protocols provide the real-time vehicle positions, arrival predictions, and service alerts.

Does this MTA transit tool work without setting up a bus API key?

The MTA transit tool works for subway arrivals, service alerts, and route discovery without an MTA_BUS_API_KEY. Bus predictions are the only feature restricted until the optional key is provided.