CHICAGO — For many commuters, tracking public transit can be a daily challenge. Chicago-based web developers Anita Lacey and DaJuan Lacey, a married couple and passionate railroad enthusiasts (known as railfans), have launched a new transit mobility platform, Metruvia.com, aimed at simplifying the commuter experience.

Founded on September 4th, 2025, the platform is a direct response to the Laceys’ own experiences navigating Chicago’s transit systems, including Metra and the South Shore Line.

“We use these services regularly for research,” says Anita Lacey. “Our goal is to improve the commuter experience by providing reliable tracking data.”

The couple’s deep personal connection to rail transport is evident not just in their use of local services, but also in their shared hobby: playing the video game Train Sim World since 2021. This passion, combined with their professional web development experience dating back to 2016, a year after they met, laid the groundwork for Metruvia.

The company’s leadership roles reflect their expertise: Anita Lacey serves as the Founder and Website Manager, while DaJuan Lacey is the Co-Founder and Webmaster.

A unique feature of their development process is “Marie,” an in-house AI assistant the Laceys created and named after Anita Marie Lacey. Marie helps build the application and powers many of its core functions, highlighting the couple’s innovative approach to solving everyday transit problems.

By leveraging their personal passion and technical skills, the Laceys hope Metruvia will provide a more intuitive and reliable solution for public transit users in the Chicago area and beyond.