Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Metra

Rendering of the proposed 103rd Street Red Line station. Image: CTA

Why not both? South Red Line project would complement, not compete with, rapid Metra service

By David Zegeye | Feb 17, 2020 | No Comments

When two out-of-towners on the payroll of an often-anti-transit organization exhort Chicagoans to "cancel" a rail project in an underserved neighborhood, skepticism is warranted.

The 111th/Pullman Metra Electric station. Photo: Jeff Zoline

At Pullman event, residents say pilot would make Metra accessible to more South Siders

By James Porter and John Greenfield | Feb 14, 2020 | No Comments

"Currently, [the Metra fare] prices a few folks out. A lot of people, especially in this area, can't afford it," said one attendee.

Mosaic of a Metra conductor at the Kenosha, WI, station. Photo: John Greenfield

No more free rides? Metra considers ideas to crack down on fare evasion

By Igor Studenkov | Jan 20, 2020 | No Comments

While Metra often seems to operate on the honors system, that may be changing in the future as the railroad adopts best practices from peer systems.

Metra's current bi-level railcar design. Photo: Jeff Zoline

What’s your Metra railcar redesign wish list?

By John Greenfield and Steven Vance | Jan 3, 2020 | No Comments

Metra wants to know what amenities, like tray tables, dimmable lights, and USB chargers, are most important to customers. But Streetsblog's Steven Vance says bolder design changes are needed.

The Riverview Bridge. Photo: John Greenfield

2019 was a year of new beginnings for transportation

By John Greenfield | Dec 30, 2019 | No Comments

In 2019 we got a new mayor who promised to use an equity lens for transportation decisions, the Divvy expansion deal, the scooter pilot, the fair ride-hail tax, and many other new developments.

Preckwinkle at the Active Trans meeting. Photo: Active Trans

Preckwinkle at Active Trans meeting: The South Side Metra plan would promote racial equity

By John Greenfield | Dec 9, 2019 | No Comments

The Cook County board president discussed why the proposal is an example of an equitable initiative that focuses resources on communities that need them the most.

As it stands, it's cheaper to buy a month of parking at many Metra stations than it is to buy a pass that let's you ride Pace to and from the station. Active Trans wants to change that. Photo: Active Trans

Here are the best things about Active Trans’ “Fair Fares” recommendations

By Courtney Cobbs | Dec 9, 2019 | No Comments

Streetsblog's Courtney Cobbs discusses the strategies from the transit equity study that she feels can make the most impact.

ATA launches petition to counter Lightfoot’s opposition to South Side Metra plan

By John Greenfield | Dec 4, 2019 | No Comments

Sign the petition to help convince the mayor to stop stonewalling the proposal by her former mayoral rival Toni Preckwinkle.

With no service cuts or fare hikes, Metra’s downtown budget hearing was a no-drama affair

By Igor Studenkov | Nov 5, 2019 | No Comments

At the meeting, officials discussed plans to spend $1 million to add “automatic passenger counters,” add shelters with heat lamps, and debut a new type of pass.

Mount Prospect participated in the Access to Transit program in 2016. Improvements included new shelters and pads to accommodate 60 new covered bike parking spaces. Image: RTA

Federal grants approved for 7 local projects to improve bike and ped access to transit

By John Greenfield | Nov 4, 2019 | No Comments

When bus stops and train stations aren't safe or convenient to walk or bike to, that can be a major disincentive to riding transit.

Lightfoot greeting CTA customers at the 95th Street CTA station during the mayoral campaign. Photo via Active Trans.

Lori doubles down on her resistance to frequent, affordable South Side Metra

By John Greenfield | Oct 29, 2019 | No Comments

It's time for the mayor to set aside petty territorial concerns, and get the Metra deal done.

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