Highball — Know When the Next Train Is Coming
Highball puts live train data in your pocket. See exactly when trains are arriving near you — whether you’re a railfan, a parent with a kid who loves trains, or just standing near the tracks wondering what’s coming.
Now with Apple Watch support and Live Activities. See approaching trains on your wrist and Lock Screen — wherever the tracks take you.
Just allow location and start spotting.
Named after the Highball Signal, a historic railroad signal that meant “all clear — full speed ahead.”
Screens
Now Arriving
Hero countdown to the next train at your nearest stop. Scrollable list of nearby trains with ETA, route, and live status — updated in real time.
Map
Live train positions with directional arrows showing heading via bearing inference. Tap any train for a detail card with route, speed, ETA, and next stops.
Spot Log
One-tap train spotting with haptic feedback. Every spot is logged with train number, route, timestamp, and location. Build your collection and earn milestone badges as you go.
Features
Live Train Tracking
Real-time train positions refreshed continuously. See where every active train is, which direction it’s heading, and when it will arrive.
Apple Watch & Live Activities
Approaching trains on your wrist and Lock Screen — glanceable, no need to open the app.
Approach Notifications
Get alerted when a train is approaching within 15 minutes. Works even when the app is in the background.
Privacy-First Design
Location is used only while the app is in the foreground to find nearby trains. No accounts, no analytics, no advertising identifiers, no data shared with third parties.
Built for Kids (and Their Parents)
Simple, distraction-free interface designed for the trackside experience. Big countdown timers, clear train identification, and satisfying haptic feedback when you log a spot. English and Spanish localization.
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 26, 2026
Data Collected
Device location — collected only while the app is in the foreground. Used solely to find trains near your current position.
Why Location Is Needed
Your coordinates are used to query public transit data and return trains operating nearby. No other purpose.
What Is NOT Collected
No personal information (name, email, phone number). No user accounts or sign-in. No analytics or usage tracking. No advertising identifiers. No crash reporting or diagnostics.
Local Storage
Spot log entries (train number, route, timestamp, and location) are stored in memory only. All spot log data is cleared when the app closes. Nothing is written to disk or synced to a server.
Data Sharing
Your location is not shared with any third party. The only network requests the app makes are anonymous HTTPS calls to fetch train data.
Children’s Privacy
Highball is designed to be used by families. The app does not knowingly collect personal information from children. No accounts, persistent storage, or tracking of any kind.
Changes to This Policy
Updates to this privacy policy will be reflected on this page with a revised effective date.
Terms of Service
Effective Date: March 26, 2026
Acceptance of Terms
By downloading or using Highball: Train Spotter, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, do not use the app.
Intended Use
Highball is a train tracking and spotting app for recreational use. It is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.
Accuracy Disclaimer
Train positions and arrival times are based on public transit data and may not reflect actual conditions. Do not rely on the app for safety-critical decisions.
User Responsibility
You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of any children in your care when near railroad tracks. Always obey posted signs, signals, and barriers. Never trespass on railroad property.
No Warranty
The app is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, or availability.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the developer shall not be liable for any damages arising from your use of or inability to use the app.
Changes to These Terms
Updates to these terms will be reflected on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Questions or concerns? Contact hello@highballplatform.com.