Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Metra

Metra hints that it may eventually move to a less 9-to-5-focused train schedule

By Steven Vance | Feb 1, 2021 | No Comments

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.

Onboard a Union Pacific North line train today. Photo: John Greenfield

Is the Metra-Union Pacific feud impacting onboard safety and quality of life?

By John Greenfield | Jan 28, 2021 | No Comments

While's its way past time for Metra and Union Pacific to settle their differences, when it comes to safety and comfort on the UP-operated trains, things could be a lot worse.

Chicago's 95th/Dan Ryan terminal is in a Critical Service Area. Photo: John Greenfield

RTA plans to focus federal COVID stimulus funding to transit-dependent areas

By Igor Studenkov | Jan 25, 2021 | No Comments

The Regional Transportation Authority is planning to use federal stimulus funding to support transit services to "to the places and people across the region who most need transit" during the pandemic.

The new coaches will have level boarding. Rendering by Alstom.

Metra board chooses new modern passenger rail cars to replace 1950s “Gallery” cars

By Steven Vance | Jan 13, 2021 | No Comments

Metra has selected a new passenger coach design that will eventually replace the current "Gallery" cars.

Preckwinkle discussing the Fair Transit South Cook pilot at an Active Transportation Alliance annual meeting last year. Photo: ATA

On eve of South Side Metra pilot, Preckwinkle thanks advocates for “banging this drum”

By John Greenfield | Dec 23, 2020 | No Comments

"If you're going to look at things through an equity lens, you do the best to address inequities and past failures on the part of government."

Before stimulus, advocates pushed for transparency on cuts. That’s still important.

By John Greenfield | Dec 22, 2020 | No Comments

The possibility of transit cuts is now less of an immediate threat. But it's still important for local transit agencies to be transparent about what would be cut in the event that the federal funding runs out.

Boarding a #157 Streeterville/Taylor bus this month on Michigan Avenue. Photo: John Greenfield

What will the new COVID stimulus bill mean for Chicagoland transit?

By John Greenfield | Dec 21, 2020 | No Comments

Chicago-area transit agencies and advocates are generally taking a glass-half-full view of the news, noting that in the short term the subsidy will prevent a "beyond-doomsday" scenario.

The Fair Transit South Cook service area. Image: Cook County

Take a survey in advance of Fair Transit South Cook, and the county will buy you coffee

By John Greenfield | Dec 7, 2020 | No Comments

The county is seeking input from residents about their travel needs and how the COVID-19 crisis has affected their riding habits.

The RTA board meeting was just like this, if you replace Ben Affleck, Bruce Willis & Liv Tyler with Dorval Carter, Jim Derwinski, and Rocky Donahue.

Transit agencies discuss plans for possible “Armageddon” funding scenario

By Igor Studenkov | Nov 25, 2020 | No Comments

“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."

Waiting beneath overhead heaters on the Wilson platform. Photo: John Greenfield

How can CTA riders stay warm while maintaining social distance?

By Courtney Cobbs | Nov 22, 2020 | No Comments

Rather than crowding below outdoor platform heaters, tCTA recommends waiting in stationhouses, and using online tools to track arrivals. The agency also discussed the issue of homeless people sheltering on transit.

A Metra Rock Island District train at Gresham. Photo: Jeff Zoline

January launch of discounted South Side Metra advances thanks to Metra approval

By John Greenfield | Nov 13, 2020 | No Comments

The plan will provide a half-off discount on fares to all Metra Electric District and Rock Island District riders.

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