Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Metra

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 | 8 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.

Unless you're in Hyde Park, you can expect to wait a long time for the next Metra Electric District train. Photo by Chad Kainz

Metra’s Underwhelming Strategic Plan Reflects the System’s Funding Shortfall

By Steven Vance | Oct 5, 2017 | 11 Comments

It's tempting to call out Metra for the fact that the plan doesn't include expanding service, but insufficient funding for the system is to blame.

Carrying bikes aboard a Metra train. Photo: Andrew St. Paul, Out Our Front Door

The Chicago Region’s Bike-Friendly Rail Service Makes Car-Free Camping a Breeze

By John Greenfield | Jun 8, 2017 | 4 Comments

Our wide-ranging and bicycle-friendly rail system offers multiple options for taking a train out to the exurbs and then pedaling a few miles to a forest preserve, natural area, or state park.

Watch Metra trains at the west end of the Bloomingdale Trail from a bird's eye view. Image: Steven Vance.

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Check Out Steven’s Trippy Aerial Footage of Tracks and Neighborhoods West of The 606

By John Greenfield | May 18, 2017

Here’s some mind-bending drone footage of Metra trains passing by the west end of the Bloomingdale Trail, aka The 606.

Trump's budget would abolish the U.S. DOT's New Starts grant program, which would probably kill Chicago's plan to extend the Red Line south to 130th Street. Image: CTA

Blood on the Tracks: Trump’s Budget Would Be Disastrous for Chicago Transit

By John Greenfield | Mar 29, 2017 | 6 Comments

Local leaders say many planned improvements would be almost impossible to pay for without help from the feds, so we're going to have to fight this anti-urban budget with everything we've got.

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