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Cta

by io.github.pipeworx-io

Cta Train Positions

cta_train_positions
Read-onlyIdempotent

Live Chicago CTA 'L' train positions on one or more lines — where every Red Line, Blue Line, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, or Yellow train is right now: lat/lon, heading, next station with ETA, destination, approaching and delayed flags. Answers "where are the Blue Line trains" for the Chicago L. Example: cta_train_positions({ routes: "Red,Blue" })

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
routesYesComma-separated 'L' lines, full color names accepted: "Red", "Red,Blue", "Brown,Purple"
_apiKeyNoOptional: your own CTA credentials as "train_key:bus_key" — Train Tracker key (free at transitchicago.com/developers) + Bus Tracker key (free at ctabustracker.com)

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. Changed1 schema field changed
    • addedInput schema / examples
      Added value: +[
+  {
+    "_apiKey": "your-cta-api-key",
+    "routes": "Red,Blue"
+  }
+]
  2. First observed

TDQS

A4.7/5.0
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate readOnly and idempotent. Description adds value by detailing what data is returned (lat/lon, heading, etc.) and that it's live.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Single sentence plus example, no fluff. Front-loaded with purpose.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Despite no output schema, description lists return fields. Complete for a simple 2-param tool with good annotations.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds an example and clarifies routes format, pushing it to 4.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool returns live CTA train positions, listing specific lines and data fields. It distinguishes from siblings like cta_train_arrivals by focusing on positions.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Provides an explicit example and lists accepted lines. Does not explicitly state when not to use, but sibling names imply distinction.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Disambiguation2/5

Several tools have heavily overlapping purposes: ask_pipeworx, ask_pipeworx_beta, ask_pipeworx_grounded, deep_research, and validate_claim all accept natural-language factual questions, and ask_pipeworx_beta is explicitly described as currently identical to ask_pipeworx. The entity tools (entity_profile, compare_entities, recent_changes, resolve_entity) and the many Polymarket tools also blur together, making misselection likely.

Naming Consistency3/5

Most names are snake_case and readable, with recognizable prefixes like cta_, polymarket_, and ask_pipeworx_. However, conventions are mixed: bare verbs (remember, forget, subscribe), noun-style phrases (entity_profile, bet_research), and variants like ai_visibility_check vs scan_competitor_ai_presence prevent a single predictable pattern.

Tool Count2/5

35 tools is above the comfortable range, and the count is especially mismatched for a server named 'Cta': only 4 tools actually concern Chicago transit, while the other 31 form a general-purpose research, prediction-market, and memory suite. The set feels like multiple unrelated servers merged together.

Completeness2/5

As a CTA server, the surface is notably incomplete: it has bus/train positions and predictions but lacks alerts, service disruptions, route listings, and station/stop metadata. The broader Pipeworx tools are extensive but appear bolted on, so the overall set has no coherent domain against which completeness can be judged.

Resources