Metra
Top Categories
RTA’s new capital funding formula prioritizes existing assets, speed over innovation
The RTA board unanimously approved a new formula for splitting capital funding between the CTA, Metra, and Pace, emphasizing fixing and upgrading their existing assets and funding projects that promote equity.
July 23, 2021
Bike/train crash death of Darryl Len Pruitt, 60, raises Metra crossing safety issues
It was the latest in a series of tragic incidents involving people illegally crossing Metra gates, raising questions about what the commuter railroad can do to improve safety at crossings.
July 21, 2021
That’s the ticket! Metra’s new All-Day Pass has been unexpectedly successful
The All-Day Pass was originally only meant to last a few weeks, but it's been hugely popular. According to the railroad, about a third of all riders currently use it.
June 29, 2021
Is this Chicagoland? A modest proposal for defining the region
is this a reasonable way to define Chicagoland, or does it exclude any towns that deserve to be considered part of the region?
June 25, 2021
Metra schedule pilots to bring biggest service increases to wealthier suburbs
When Metra recently announced schedule changes for several lines, they billed it as offering more off-peak options. But the reality was a bit more complicated than that.
June 11, 2021
A bittersweet look back at 12 months of free Metra Union Pacific line rides
Union Pacific's refusal to collect fares during COVID cost Metra some $1M a month, but it opened up new options for affordable – or free – transit exploration.
June 8, 2021
Metra is getting bike-friendlier, with new dedicated bike cars on on Rock Island, BNSF lines
The cars will be available on both weekend and weekday trains and can be spotted by a blue and grey paint scheme, plus a white bicycle decal next to the outside doors.
May 14, 2021
Metra unveils 2021 construction projects, Peterson/Ridge station delayed
Metra announced a number of major construction projects for the 2021 construction season – but already, one of those construction projects has been pushed back a few months.
April 29, 2021
Union Pacific finally caves, agrees to start collecting fares on Metra trains again
Was it really safety that motivated Union Pacific to refuse to have its conductors collect fares until long after conductors on Metra-controlled lines went back to walking the trains, or rather a desire to force Metra to the bargaining table?
April 19, 2021
RTA survey: Most people who stopped commuting by transit during COVID plan to return
About 80 percent of respondents who weren't riding buses and trains on a frequent basis said they planned to to return to their pre-pandemic commuting habits once worries about the coronavirus ease.
April 15, 2021
