Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Metra

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.

Universal Metra bicycle access via dedicated bike cars would be a game-changer

By John Greenfield | Nov 6, 2020 | No Comments

Bike cars on all trains on all lines during non-pandemic times would enable people to use bikes for first- and last-mile trips for downtown commutes.

Pace bus and Metra train at the Highland Park Metra station. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Regional Transportation Authority prepares for funding doomsday scenario, recovery

By Igor Studenkov | Nov 2, 2020 | No Comments

The Regional Transportation Authority is starting to prepare for what will happen if the federal government fails to provide additional aid for transit, and what will happen when the pandemic is over.

A Metra Electric train pulls in to the South Shore station on the South Chicago branch. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers

What’s going on with the South Cook Fair Transit pilot?

By John Greenfield | Oct 28, 2020 | No Comments

Reduced Metra Electric and Rock Island fares and increased service are set to launch in January, but Lightfoot and the CTA are still not completely on board with the plan.

Commuters at the Ogilvie Center. Image: WGN

Metra strikes back: Commuter railroad sues Union Pacific for refusing to collect fares

By John Greenfield | Oct 14, 2020 | No Comments

Today Metra ratcheted up the conflict another notch with a new lawsuit accusing Union Pacific of breach of contract.

New Sat/Sun pass, capital projects, and South Cook pilot part of Metra’s 2021 Budget

By David Zegeye | Oct 9, 2020 | No Comments

Fortunately Mayor Lightfoot and CTA now seem to be onboard with South Cook pilot. An intergovernmental agreement is drafted and will hopefully be approved at the November board meeting.

The new ticket verification booths. Image: WGN News

Ogilvie ticket verification booths are a symptom of harmful Metra / Union Pacific conflict

By John Greenfield | Oct 6, 2020 | No Comments

The Active Transportation Alliance spokesman says that this brinkmanship is bad for rail employees and the commuting public.

Inbound and outbound trains stop at Union Pacific Northwest Metra Line's Palatine station during rush hour. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Metra may revamp fare structure, introduce new passes

By Igor Studenkov | Sep 28, 2020 | No Comments

As Metra prepares its 2021 budget amidst a 90-percent ridership drop, the commuter railroad is considering substantial changes its fare structure and service patterns.

The Mask Optional Car sign on the South Shore Line platform at Chicago's Millennium Station. Photo: John Greenfield

Idiocy or genius? The South Shore Line tries quarantining anti-maskers in a separate car

By John Greenfield | Sep 23, 2020 | No Comments

Is the commuter railroad's unique approach to dealing with COVID deniers on trains completely misguided, or so gosh darn irrational that it just might work?

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