trimet

What This Skill Does

The TriMet skill is a specialized tool for the OpenClaw AI agent designed to provide comprehensive transit information for the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. It serves as a command-line interface wrapper for the official TriMet API, enabling the agent to fetch real-time arrivals, plan complex multi-leg trips, check service alerts, and view upcoming departures between specific points. By integrating this skill, the OpenClaw agent can help users navigate the city effectively, whether they are commuting via bus, MAX light rail, or the Portland Streetcar. It abstracts away the complexity of API requests, allowing the AI to query transit data using natural language input provided by the user.

Installation

To enable this functionality, ensure you have Node.js installed on your system. Run the following command in your terminal:

clawhub install openclaw/skills/skills/mjrussell/trimet

Additionally, you must register for a free developer API key at the official TriMet website (developer.trimet.org). Once obtained, configure the environment variable by executing export TRIMET_APP_ID="your-key" in your shell session. Without a valid API key, the skill will be unable to communicate with the transit servers.

Use Cases

This skill is ideal for daily commuters, tourists, and residents who rely on Portland's public transit network. Common use cases include:

• Checking if a bus or MAX train is running behind schedule before leaving home.
• Planning a door-to-door itinerary between specific addresses or identified stop IDs.
• Troubleshooting travel plans by checking for system-wide alerts or route-specific service disruptions.
• Comparing arrival times to optimize departure planning based on user constraints like 'arrive-by' or 'depart-at' times.

Example Prompts

1. "When is the next MAX train arriving at Pioneer Courthouse Square?"
2. "How can I get from PDX Airport to Union Station using public transit?"
3. "Are there any current service delays or alerts for the Blue Line?"

Tips & Limitations

To get the most accurate results, use specific Stop IDs whenever possible. Stop IDs are posted physically at every TriMet bus and train station. While the skill supports natural language for locations like 'Pioneer Square', specific IDs minimize ambiguity. Keep in mind that the skill relies on the TriMet API, so network connectivity is required. Always double-check major transfers if the tool returns a long or complex itinerary. Note that route numbers for MAX lines (e.g., 100 for Blue, 90 for Red) are strictly required for alerts and specific filtering.