Jim Derwinski
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IDOT says Metra’s Rockford extension is still on schedule for a late 2027 debut
But the commuter railroad's executive director is doubtful that it will be possible to meet that deadline.
August 11, 2026
Slow train coming: Metra staff, politicians, and commuters celebrate opening of long-delayed Peterson/Ridge station
It took more than a decade to come to fruition, but the new Union Pacific North line stop is already getting great use.
June 11, 2024
Metra’s final 2023 budget sticks with fare status quo
It’s not often that Metra's board pushes back on a budget proposal, and it’s even less common for the final budget to be significantly different from what the staff originally presented, but both of those things happened this year.
November 15, 2022
For $100 you can take unlimited rides on Metra this summer, anywhere in the region
The full-fare pass is $100, and discounted passes for eligible seniors, K-12 students, and riders on the Metra Electric and Rock Island lines will be $70.
June 1, 2022
It’s getting real: Metra awards construction contract for Auburn Park station
The planned Auburn Park station in the Auburn-Gresham community has been in the works for over a decade, and advocacy for it by local residents has gone on even longer than that.
July 28, 2021
That’s the ticket! Metra’s new All-Day Pass has been unexpectedly successful
The All-Day Pass was originally only meant to last a few weeks, but it's been hugely popular. According to the railroad, about a third of all riders currently use it.
June 29, 2021
Metra hints that it may eventually move to a less 9-to-5-focused train schedule
A "regional rail" scheme, with more frequent service during non-rush hours, would make the network more useful non-white collar workers, as well as non-work commutes.
February 1, 2021
Transit agencies discuss plans for possible “Armageddon” funding scenario
“In the previous [2008] doomsday budget, our deficit was in the neighborhood of $100 million,” CTA president Dorval Carter said. “This is Armageddon-type stuff."
November 25, 2020
January launch of discounted South Side Metra advances thanks to Metra approval
The plan will provide a half-off discount on fares to all Metra Electric District and Rock Island District riders.
November 13, 2020
Metra Is Trying Several New Strategies to Lure Weekend Riders
In response to survey results that show riders want more, later, and faster service on weekends, Metra is adding more runs and other incentives for weekend ridership.
May 28, 2019
