Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train and rail service is launching a new text-messaging program for riders looking to receive real-time responses specific to their travel. 

The program leverages ETA Transit’s SPOT system and GovDelivery, an enterprise-class digital outreach platform engineered specifically for government, to help riders stay connected on train arrival and departure times or delays. 

“Providing passengers with train tracking methods is essential in today’s digital age,” said Stacey Mortensen, Executive Director, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission. “Our goal was to provide our existing and future ridership with tools to receive real-time train updates on a multi-platform system.  We are excited that we can add automated text responses to the already established interactive train map and email/text alerts.  This will give more options for those who want to engage with the ACE Train.” 

In order to receive relevant and timely travel information —such as arrival and departure times on their phones — riders can text a keyword or phrase (for example  “ACE LMORE”) to the short code number GOV311 (468311) and receive real-time responses specific to their travel.

“Given that 73% of mobile phone users leverage text messaging, ACE is improving the level of service it provides by allowing riders to request relevant, real-time updates via text message,” said Scott Burns, CEO and Co-Founder at GovDelivery. 

ACE has several other digital communication options already in place through GovDelivery for riders looking to receive regular email or text message on rush hour alerts and real-time emergency alerts. Visit http://www.acerail.com/About/stay-connected.aspx#contact-form to view the different alerts offered.

ACE provides passenger rail services from the Northern San Joaquin Valley to the Silicon Valley. ACE operates weekdays with stations in Stockton, Lathrop-Manteca, Tracy, Alameda County, and Santa Clara County.  Ridership is approximately 4,800 daily and passenger amenities include Wi-Fi, dim-lit cars, working tables, bike cars, and free connecting shuttles with ticket purchase. The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission owns and operates the ACE train.