Founders of Metruvia
Metruvia aims to bring together all commuter rail lines and metros worldwide into a single app, eliminating the need for users to switch between different applications.
Enhancing the commuter experience
The platform focuses on improving the user experience by offering a single, united feed of real-time transit data. The goal is to provide a valuable, transparent, and trustworthy service to commuters.
Privacy-focused design
To ensure user privacy, Metruvia does not track personal location data. Instead, it relies on open-source transit data feeds provided by transit authorities.
United feed interface
Unlike apps that separate routes by transit company, Metruvia presents all trackers in a single, consolidated feed. This design provides a seamless and "united" experience.
User-centric focus
The app stands out by prioritizing the in-app experience. It is free of ads, subscriptions, and route separation, providing a clean and distraction-free interface.
AI-powered development
The founders utilized their AI assistant, "Marie Assistant," to help build a significant portion of the app.
High-quality software
Metruvia uses what the developers call "Builds", a process of continuous improvement and dedicated updates to keep the service fast, reliable, and bug-free.
The founders: DaJuan and Anita Lacey
A partnership in life and work
Shared passion: The married couple met in 2015 and have been collaborating on web app and website development as a joint venture ever since.
Inspiration from marriage: After getting married in 2023, they were inspired to build a service together that would provide people with a sense of purpose beyond simple transit tracking.
Driven by a passion for rail
Avid railfans: Both DaJuan and Anita are passionate railroad enthusiasts and railfans.
On-the-ground research: They regularly commute on local rail services, such as Metra and the South Shore Line, to brainstorm ideas for improving the commuter experience through the Metruvia app.
Romantic commuter dates: The couple's personal life is also intertwined with their passion for transit, as they enjoy taking romantic public transportation dates.
Gaming connection: They are also fans of the railroad video game Train Sim World.
Collaborating with AI
Marie Assistant: The couple developed and used their own AI assistant, Marie, to help build the app. This collaboration highlights their innovative approach to software development.
