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Metra

Transit planning guru Jarrett Walker discusses CTA and Pace challenges, and the agency consolidation question

Walker, a consultant with the two systems, talks about how to improve service. He won't "disagree with their managements in public," but says he's genuinely against the proposed merger.

July 16, 2024

How can we avoid fiscal derailment? Transit agencies, chambers of commerce take opposite sides on the consolidation debate

RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace chiefs said they need more funding but are opposed to unification. The chamber leaders said the agencies shouldn't get one without the other.

July 10, 2024

CTA, Metra, and Pace ridership have been recovering this year, but still have a long way to go to reach pre-COVID-19 levels.

The Regional Transportation Authority recently discussed the bright sides of the local bus and train picture. But looming in the background is the $730 million Chicagoland transit fiscal cliff.

July 9, 2024

Chicago Union Station concourse overhaul will include expanded bike parking options

According a survey focused on bike parking, respondents overwhelmingly preferred the addition of secure, indoor bike storage at Union Station.

July 2, 2024

Day trippers: My kid with special needs and I rode Metra to Geneva for a riverside bicycle adventure

The commuter rail system provides easy, generally ADA accessible, access to suburbs like Geneva that offer shopping, dining, and other activities within walking or rolling distance of the station.

June 28, 2024

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

At Metra meeting, riders call for through services, better service coordination

Attendees were asked about their interest in taking Metra to O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport and the Fulton Market District.

June 4, 2024

As Metra seeks input on long-term service improvements, the long-awaited Peterson/Ridge station opens

The railroad recently launched a survey to get a better sense of how riders use the system post-pandemic.

May 22, 2024

One agency to rule them all: Advocates are cautiously optimistic about proposed bill to combine the 4 Chicago area transit bureaus

The Active Transportation Alliance, Commuters Take Action, and Equiticity weigh in on the proposed legislation.

May 1, 2024