Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Metra

A touch screen for collecting Go To 2050 input at the Chicago Architecture Foundation headquarters. Photo CMAP

CMAP Emphasizes Investment in Underserved Communities in ON TO 2050 Plan

By Igor Studenkov | Oct 10, 2018 | 1 Comment

According to CMAP, "Regions that are more inclusive have longer, stronger periods of prosperity and shorter periods of stagnation."

Some of Metra's coaches were built in 1953. Photo: railsr4me/Flickr

Chicagoland Transit Agencies are Asking for the Capital Funding They Deserve

By Igor Studenkov | Aug 21, 2018 | 7 Comments

The Regional Transportation Authority and the three transit agencies operating under its umbrella – Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace Suburban Bus – are making a forceful case for substantially more capital funding than they are currently getting. The federal and state funding for public transit has been declining over the last 10 years, not […]

A Metra board meeting in 2014. Photo: Sun-Times

Why the Regional Transit Boards Skew White and Male, and Why That Matters

By John Greenfield | Aug 8, 2018 | 27 Comments

The board members' decisions may not always reflect the needs of commuters.

A CREATE grade separation project. Photo: Charles Papanek

CREATE, and How the Lack of a National Infrastructure Vision Hurts Us All

By Charles Papanek | Jul 17, 2018 | 3 Comments

Getting federal funding for the massive regional rail congestion relief project could be a struggle.

The planning department’s framework plan shows a potential “transitway” route between Goose Island and Metra stations in the West Loop, which two Metra routes already serve. The Clybourn station is at the diverging point of the two routes. Map from Department of Planning and Development, with Metra lines highlighted in red for emphasis.

Why Isn’t CTA-Style Metra Service Being Considered for Lincoln Yards?

By Steven Vance | May 7, 2018 | 29 Comments

Due to Emanuel's apathy towards Metra city is focusing on building a new Goose Island transitway while ignoring the nearby existing Metra lines.

Metra transfers let passengers switch between trains within the same fare zone. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Tips and Tricks for Navigating Chicago Area Public Transit

By Igor Studenkov | Apr 20, 2018 | 8 Comments

Here's some info about using transit passes, transit trackers, paired bus routes, night service, and Metra transfers that might be off your radar.

Waiting for a Metra Union Pacific-North Line train at Waukegan. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers

Lots of Metra Station, Track, Bridge, Crossing and Signal Upgrades in 2018

By John Greenfield | Apr 17, 2018

$84.8 million in improvement projects are planned on all 11 lines.

Scott Presslak designed a new Metra map that aims to be more usable by casual and new riders.

Show Metra Routes by Letter Instead of Vintage Railroad Names, a New Map Proposes

By Steven Vance | Apr 10, 2018 | 31 Comments

Why are Metra's commuter rail lines named after bankrupt railroads?

Illustration: Bobby Sims, Chicago Reader

Can the CTA and Metra Learn to Play Nice?

By John Greenfield | Feb 8, 2018 | 30 Comments

Benefits of increased cooperation could include fare integration and an alternative to the costly Red Line extension.

Rendering of the Obama campus. Image: Obama Foundation

We Need Better Obama Center Transit Access, Not Wider Roads

By John Greenfield | Feb 1, 2018 | 7 Comments

It's great that the design calls for pedestrianizing Cornell Drive, but the city plans to create more capacity than ever, which will only encourage more driving.

The Naperville shuttle will travel between a local church and various Loop stops. Image: Google Maps

A Tale of Two Shuttles: New Commuter Routes Planned for Oak Brook and Naperville

By John Greenfield | Jan 25, 2018 | 4 Comments

One shuttle will take Chicagoans from Hinsdale or Elmhurst to Oak Brook job centers. The other will squire Napervillians to their Loop offices.

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