Metra

The specter of a railroad strike shutting down much of the country’s freight railroad network and some of Metra’s busiest rail lines has risen once again.

It’s not often that Metra's board pushes back on a budget proposal, and it’s even less common for the final budget to be significantly different from what the staff originally presented, but both of those things happened this year.

If the funding is approved, Amtrak would use the cash from a federal Mega Grant to upgrade the terminal, create more rail routes into the city, and launch a variety of new services.  

There was good news today as the potential shutdown of four Metra lines due to a threatened freight rail worker strike was averted. But what would have happened if it wasn't?

The low quality of wayfinding and information design throughout Metra stations and onboard the trains is totally inexcusable.

On August 12, Governor JB Pritzker announced the Illinois Department of Transportation's new multiyear plan, a blueprint for spending $34.6 billion on transportation infrastructure over the next six years.

On Thursday, July 8, Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined federal elected officials Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Jesus "Chuy" Garcia (IL-4) alongside state transportation officials in asking for federal funds for improvements to Chicago's Union Station and nearby tracks that would make the station a more comfortable and spacious place for passengers and reduce delays on certain Amtrak routes. 

Even amid death and trauma, people still have places to get, and public transit will, hopefully, still be there to serve them.

The full-fare pass is $100, and discounted passes for eligible seniors, K-12 students, and riders on the Metra Electric and Rock Island lines will be $70.