Metra

01/19/2021

We're so happy to see Chicago's museums opening back up this month! If you're heading downtown, don't forget Metra's $10 All-Day Pass has been extended through February!

BIG NEWS—Shedd Aquarium is reopening on January 30! 🎉 Tickets will go on sale to the public starting January 23 with a special member preview January 27-29 (member tickets available starting January 21). We are so excited to open our doors and we can’t wait to see you again! We have stringent measures in place to create a safe and enriching experience with the aquatic animal world: http://shedd.link/2OOLqvI

Not ready to visit in person? Our digital programs are here to stay! Explore with:

🦈Virtual Aquarium Mini Camp for Kids: http://shedd.link/3qAXReR
🐧Virtual Animal Encounters: http://shedd.link/3sEt16O
🍎 Learn Online with Shedd: http://shedd.link/2Nm8cwX

01/19/2021

Metro Forward

Today, Metro Transit Police welcomed our law enforcement partners from across the country to assist Metro during #InaugurationDay.

71 officers from outside agencies volunteered to ensure the safety and security of our riders and the public. The visiting officers will supplement MTPD’s force of more than 400 officers. Additionally, 300 members of the National Guard have been deployed to assist MTPD.

We extend our deepest appreciation to all of the agencies for their support for this year’s Presidential Inauguration and the peaceful transition of power. #wmata

Thank you to Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department, NJ TRANSIT POLICE, Metropolitan Transportation Authority - MTA Police, Houston METRO Police, Metra Police Department, Maryland Transit Administration Police Force, RTD Transit Police, and Regional Transit Authority.

01/19/2021

Have you heard about the Active Transportation Alliance Winter Bike Challenge, starting Jan. 25? With Metra's relaxed bike policy and new Bike Cars, there's no reason to pass this fun challenge up! Check it out in the link below. 🚲❄️

We are excited to announce that the Winter Bike Challenge presented by Keating Law Offices will be from January 25th - February 7th! To learn more and register please visit https://bit.ly/35cRiH6

01/18/2021

$10 All-Day Pass

The Ventra app makes it easy to practice physical distancing while on board. And, our unlimited All-Day Pass is only $10! https://www.ventrachicago.com/app/

01/18/2021

Wishing all our riders and employees a happy #MLKDay. As a reminder, Metra will operate on the current weekday alternate schedule today, Jan. 18. You can find the alternate schedules here: https://bit.ly/3a7xQfw

01/17/2021

REMINDER: Metra will operate on the current weekday alternate schedule on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 18. You can find the schedules for all lines here: https://bit.ly/3a7xQfw

01/16/2021

Even though we're riding together, remember to stay apart as much as possible when on Metra. Help everyone stay safe onboard.

01/15/2021

Metra will operate on the current weekday alternate schedule on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 18. You can find the schedules for all lines here: https://bit.ly/3a7xQfw

01/14/2021

On Sept. 17, 2020, Metra celebrated the completion of the installation of Positive Train Control (PTC) components on all its trains and along its train lines, a major achievement on the way to implementing the federally mandated safety system. The project cost Metra $415 million, which was sourced from its capital funding, and will require $20 million in annual operating costs.

PTC works by automatically stopping a train if the engineer fails to obey a signal or exceeds the speed limit, thereby preventing accidents. The system uses GPS tracking, onboard computers, and Metra's centralized train dispatching system to function.

It was a long and difficult process of building the system from the ground up and making sure it was compatible with our other rail partners. But we are happy to provide our customers with even more confidence in using our system.

01/14/2021

Driving around crossing gates is not worth your life. #SeeTracksThinkTrain

01/14/2021

View the news release here: https://bit.ly/3oO2Poe

01/14/2021

Commute With Confidence

Of the millions of rides taken over the last year, not one COVID-19 incidence has been linked to our trains through contact tracing. Learn more about how we’re making My Metra safe for you: https://metrarail.com/confidence

01/13/2021

Alstom Coradia Railcar Procurement | Metra

#ICYMI: The Metra Board of Directors today approved the purchase of up to 500 state-of-the-art railcars from Alstom Transportation Inc., opting for new multilevel cars that will be more comfortable, accessible, reliable and safe than the outdated gallery cars they will replace. Read more: https://bit.ly/3qfYf2f

The new cars will have two entranceways on each side with doors nearly level to the platform, thereby requiring only one step to enter instead of multiple steps on the old gallery cars. These changes will improve passenger flow, increase safety and reduce time spent boarding and deboarding at each station. The cars will also be wheelchair accessible for people with disabilities, deploying lifts to bridge the slight difference between the platform and entrance.

The new cars will also have stainless steel bodies and be compatible with Metra’s existing fleet, which means they can be coupled to current cars. They will also feature many reliability and safety upgrades, including a microprocessor-controlled braking system, electrically operated doors and passenger area cameras.

We're excited to be taking a significant step towards modernizing one of the oldest fleets in the country, and providing our riders an improved riding experience.

01/13/2021

View the news release here: https://bit.ly/3qfYf2f

CC: @AlstomUSA

01/13/2021

Metra's Board of Directors meeting, starting at 10:30 a.m. today, is being held as a webcast only. You can view the webcast here: https://bit.ly/2XBQ6ZD

01/12/2021

My Metra Newsletter Nov 2020

#ICYMI The My Metra Newsletter is out and filled with behind-the-scenes stories, agency updates and much more. Find a copy onboard or check out the digital version here: https://bit.ly/2Vkthsq

Read more for agency updates and behind-the-scenes stories.

01/12/2021

REMINDER: Metra's January board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, will be held as a webcast only. To make a public comment, fill out the form and email to [email protected]: https://bit.ly/3dYUo3M

Call in your comments to 312-322-6962. Deadline: Jan. 12, 2021, by 5 p.m.

01/11/2021

Metra's January board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, will be held as a webcast only. To make a public comment, fill out the form and email to [email protected]: https://bit.ly/3dYUo3M

Call in your comments to 312-322-6962. Deadline: Jan. 12, 2021, by 5 p.m.

01/10/2021

Dashing through the snow. #HappySunday

01/10/2021

Schedule changes on MD-N, MD-W, NCS and Metra Electric on Jan. 11 | Metra

Tomorrow: New schedules on the Milwaukee District North and West, North Central Service and Metra Electric Lines take effect on Jan. 11. Review the new schedules here: https://bit.ly/2WnzjZA

Metra trains are operating on alternate weekday and weekend schedules posted here, with no weekend service on the North Central Service, Southwest Service, Heritage Corridor and the Blue Island Branch of the Metra Electric Line. For all other information relating to Metra's response to the pandemic,...

01/08/2021

Schedule changes on MD-N, MD-W, NCS and Metra Electric on Jan. 11 | Metra

Next week: Metra will be making changes to the weekday schedules on the Milwaukee District North and West, the North Central Service and the Metra Electric lines beginning Monday, Jan. 11. The updated schedules are intended to improve travel options and train operations across the Metra system. Read more and review the new schedules here: https://bit.ly/2WnzjZA

( December 17, 2020 Metra will be making changes to the weekday schedules on the Milwaukee District North West North Central Service Metra Electric Customers are advised to review the entire schedule for their line as departure times and stopping patter...

01/07/2021

$10 All-Day Pass

We extended our $10 All-Day Pass into 2021! Download the Ventra App today and get on board. https://www.ventrachicago.com/app/

01/07/2021

No matter what challenges we’ve faced, our goal has stayed the same — to get you to work or home safely and on time. Our trains are here for you whenever you’re ready to get back on board My Metra. https://metrarail.com/confidence

01/06/2021

We're stronger together; you're never alone. It's ok not to be ok. If you or a loved one is struggling, there's help:

Suicide Prevention - 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line - Text HELLO to 741741
Domestic Violence - 800-799-7233
Trans Lifeline - 877-565-8860

01/05/2021

Schedule changes on MD-N, MD-W, NCS and Metra Electric on Jan. 11 | Metra

Metra will be making changes to the weekday schedules on the Milwaukee District North and West, the North Central Service and the Metra Electric lines beginning Monday, Jan. 11. The updated schedules are intended to improve travel options and train operations across the Metra system. Read more and view the schedules: https://bit.ly/2WnzjZA

( December 17, 2020 Metra will be making changes to the weekday schedules on the Milwaukee District North West North Central Service Metra Electric Customers are advised to review the entire schedule for their line as departure times and stopping patter...

01/04/2021

Today, Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski joined Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, representatives for Pace Suburban Bus, and other Cook County Government officials in celebrating the launch of Fair Transit South Cook, a three-year pilot project to boost public transportation in a region that is more transit-dependent and economically disadvantaged than other parts of the county. Read more here: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/fair-transit-south-cook

01/04/2021

Toni Preckwinkle

Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will join Metra, Pace and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) leaders to mark the kick-off of Fair Transit South Cook - a 3-year pilot project to improve public transportation in sou

12/31/2020

🎇 #NYE Service Information: Metra will operate on the current alternate schedules today, Dec. 31. Find the schedules here: https://bit.ly/3a7xQfw (note: final outbound trains may not depart as late as with the full weekday schedule).

Metra will provide free travel on all trains arriving at or departing from Metra’s downtown stations after 6 p.m. tonight. Alcohol is prohibited on all trains after 7 p.m.

On New Year's Day, Metra will operate all lines on a Sunday/holiday schedule. No service on Heritage Corridor, SouthWest Service or North Central Service.

12/30/2020

🎆 #NYE SERVICE: Metra will operate on the current alternate schedules on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. The final outbound trains for each line are below (view the full schedules here: https://bit.ly/3a7xQfw):

BNSF: 10:40 p.m. (#1323*)
UP-N: 10:35 p.m. (#367)
UP-W: 11:00 p.m. (#71)
UP-NW: 12:30 a.m. (#601)
MD-N: 10:35 p.m. (#2157)
MD-W: 10:40 p.m. (#2255)
MED (Univ Park): 12:50 a.m. (#153)
MED (South Shore): 11:10 p.m. (#351)
MED (Blue Island): 7:20 p.m. (#143, transfer at Kensington)
RID: 10:00 p.m. (#507)
SWS: 5:50 p.m. (#829)
NCS: 5:01 p.m. (#113*)
HC: 5:25 p.m. (#919)

(*does not stop at all stations)

12/29/2020

Please use extra caution when crossing railroad tracks and when alighting on platforms. ❄️ 🌨️

Snow, heavy at times, continues to spread northeastward through northern Illinois this afternoon. Road conditions are quickly deteriorating shortly after the snow begins. Expect the snow to reach the Chicago metro through the 4pm hour.

12/29/2020

The Metra Police Department Explosive Detection K-9 Unit is constantly seeking different venues to conduct training. It is advantageous to be able to train at locations that tie in the different smells, sights, and sounds of the railroad.

The Joliet Union Station was built in 1912 and was in operation for Metra Rock Island, Heritage and Amtrak until 2014 when it was shut down. Metra and Amtrak built a new station, The Joliet Gateway Center, adjacent to the old station. After the building rehabilitation, the Joliet Union Station is still in use as a brewery and ballroom with balconies next to active freight and commuter railroad tracks. The ballroom is ran by @Mistwood Golf Club. Mistwood has graciously allowed Metra K9 units to train at the Grand Ball Room on multiple occasions with zero charge. With Mistwood's partnership, we have been able to train our K9's in the old train station to better serve our Communities.

We would like to give a special shout out and thank you to the staff and management for their continued support and being such great hosts. Thank you!

12/29/2020

Schedule changes on MD-N, MD-W, NCS and Metra Electric on Jan. 11 | Metra

Metra will be making changes to the weekday schedules on the Milwaukee District North and West, the North Central Service and the Metra Electric lines beginning Monday, Jan. 11. The updated schedules are intended to improve travel options and train operations across the Metra system. Read more and view the schedules: https://bit.ly/2WnzjZA

( December 17, 2020 Metra will be making changes to the weekday schedules on the Milwaukee District North West North Central Service Metra Electric Customers are advised to review the entire schedule for their line as departure times and stopping patter...

12/29/2020

ICYMI: Metra has extended the availability of our $10 All-Day Pass through January 31, 2021! Read more: https://bit.ly/3qLJzsS

12/28/2020

New Year's is fast approaching. Here are service details: Metra's will operate on the current alternate schedules on Thursday, Dec. 31, and on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Friday, Jan. 1.

Metra will offer free travel on all trains arriving at or departing from Metra’s downtown stations after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Alcohol will be prohibited on all trains after 7 p.m.

12/28/2020

Commute with Confidence

2020 has been challenging, but My Metra has continued to move forward by putting the safety of our passengers first. We’re looking forward to a better year ahead! https://metrarail.com/confidence