Metra

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For other uses, see Metra (disambiguation).
Metra
Metra Logo.svg
Outbound Metra at Schiller Park.jpg
An outbound Metra train approaches the Schiller Park station in June 2019.
Overview
OwnerRegional Transportation Authority (RTA)
LocaleChicago metropolitan area, United States
Transit typeCommuter rail
Number of lines11
Number of stations242
Daily ridership281,100 (weekday, 2018–2019)
93,200 (weekend, 2018–2019)[1]
Annual ridership76.1 million (2018)[1]
Chief executiveJames M. Derwinski[2]
Websitemetrarail.com
Operation
Began operation1984
Operator(s)Metra, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway
Reporting marksMETX
Technical
System length487.5 miles (784.6 km)[1]
Track gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
System map

Schematic of Metra's routes, as well as the South Shore Line. This schematic is not to scale.

Metra (reporting mark METX) is a commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area serving the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The system operates 242 stations on 11 rail lines.[1] It is the fourth busiest commuter rail system in the United States by ridership and the largest and busiest commuter rail system outside the New York City metropolitan area.[3] There were 83.4 million passenger rides in 2014, up 1.3% from the previous year.[4] The estimated busiest day for Metra ridership occurred on November 4, 2016—the day of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series victory rally.[5]

Using Chicago's rail infrastructure, much of which dates to the 1850s, the Illinois General Assembly established the parent Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to consolidate all public transit operations in the Chicago area, including commuter rail. The RTA's creation was a result of the anticipated failure of commuter service operated and owned by various private railroad companies in the 1970s. In 1984, RTA formed a commuter rail division to focus on rail operations, which branded itself as Metra in 1985. Freight rail companies still operate four of Metra's routes under contracted service agreements. Metra owns all rolling stock and is responsible for all stations along with the respective municipalities. Since its inception, Metra has directed more than $5 billion into the commuter rail system of the Chicago metropolitan area.

History[edit]

See also: History of passenger rail in Chicago

Early Chicago commuter rail[edit]

Since its founding in the 19th century, Chicago has been a major Midwestern hub in the North American rail network.[6] It has more trackage radiating in more directions than any other city in North America.[6] Railroads set up their headquarters in the city and Chicago became a center for building freight cars, passenger cars and diesel locomotives. Early commuter services were run by the Santa Fe, Baltimore & Ohio, Chicago Great Western, Pennsylvania, and Michigan Central. They were all eventually discontinued.

By the 1930s Chicago had the world's largest public transportation system, but commuter rail services started to decline.[7] By the mid-1970s, the commuter lines faced an uncertain future. The Burlington Northern, Milwaukee Road, Chicago and North Western and Illinois Central had been losing money for several years, and were using trainsets with passenger cars dating as far back as the 1920s.[8]

Formation of the RTA[edit]

RTA EMD F40PH No. 123 crossing the Fox River in Elgin, Illinois in 1981

To provide stability to the commuter rail system, the Illinois General Assembly formed the Regional Transportation Authority in 1974.[9] Its purpose was to fund and plan the Chicago region's public transportation. After initially using second-hand equipment, the RTA took delivery of the first new EMD F40PH locomotives in 1976. That F40PH fleet is still in service today.[8] The companies that had long provided commuter rail in the Chicago area continued to operate their lines under contract to the RTA.[9]

Less than a decade later the Regional Transportation Authority was already suffering from ongoing financial problems. Additionally, two rail providers, the Rock Island Line and the Milwaukee Road, went bankrupt, forcing the RTA to create the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation to operate their lines directly in 1982. In 1983 the Illinois Legislature reorganized the agency. That reorganization left the Regional Transportation Authority in charge of day-to-day operations of all bus, heavy rail and commuter rail services throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. It was also responsible for directing fare and service levels, setting up budgets, finding sources for capital investment and planning. A new Commuter Rail Division was created to handle commuter rail operations; along with CTA and Pace, it was one of RTA's three "service boards."[9]

Metra branding[edit]

Metra EMD F40C No. 614 in Chicago.

The board of the RTA Commuter Rail Division first met in 1984. In an effort to simplify the operation of commuter rail in the Chicago area, in July 1985 it adopted a unified brand for the entire system–Metra, or Metropolitan Rail.[10] The newly reorganized Metra service helped to bring a single identity to the many infrastructure components serviced by the Regional Transportation Authority's commuter rail system.[9] However, the system is still legally known as the Commuter Rail Division of the RTA.

Today, Metra's operating arm, the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation, operates seven Metra owned routes. Four other routes continue to be operated by Union Pacific (formerly Chicago & North Western) and BNSF (formerly Burlington Northern) under contract to Metra. Service throughout the network is provided under the Metra name (in keeping with Metra's goal of providing a single identity for all commuter rail in the region). Metra also owns all rolling stock, controls fares and staffing levels, and is responsible for most of the stations. However, the freight carriers who operate routes under contract use their own employees and control the right-of-way for those routes.[9]

Growth and expansion[edit]

In the late 20th and early 21st century Metra experienced record ridership and expanded its services. In 1996 Metra organized its first new line, the North Central Service, running from Union Station to Antioch. By 2006 it added new intermediate stops to that same route, extended the Union Pacific / West Line from Geneva to Elburn and extended SouthWest Service from Orland Park to Manhattan. In 2012 it boasted 95.8% average on-time performance (measured only for a train's arrivals at its last station no more than six minutes late).[11] It also posted its fourth highest volume in its history despite decreases in employment opportunities in downtown Chicago.[12]

Metra continued to seek expansion options and to improve passenger service. Over the past three decades, Metra has invested more than $5 billion into its infrastructure. That investment has been used to purchase new rolling stock, build new stations, renovate tracks, modernize signal systems and upgrade support facilities.[9] In addition to core improvements on the Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West routes, planning advanced on two new Metra routes, SouthEast Service and the Suburban Transit Access Route.[13]

Corruption[edit]

Metra also has been marred by allegations and investigations of corruption. In April 2002, board member Don Udstuen resigned from both Metra and his executive job with the Illinois State Medical Society, after admitting to taking bribes to steer Metra contracts to firms associated with former legislator Roger Stanley and pleading guilty to his part in Illinois's Operation Safe Road scandal.[14]

In April 2010 Metra's executive director, Phil Pagano, faced investigation for taking an unauthorized $56,000 bonus and was later found to have improperly received $475,000 in vacation pay. The day that the agency's board was scheduled to discuss his fate, Pagano stepped in front of a moving Metra train in an apparent suicide.[15] Around the time of Pagano's death, allegations also surfaced that a Metra employee demanded a $2,000 payoff from the studio that used Metra in the 2011 film Source Code. That employee was later relieved of his duties, and retired.[16]

In June 2013, Metra CEO Alex Clifford abruptly resigned his position with no public comment. It gradually was reported that his exit had been demanded by the Metra board, which negotiated a $871,000 severance package including a non-disclosure agreement.[17] Clifford's ouster was allegedly arranged because he rejected requests for patronage hiring and promotion, including a request to promote a longtime supporter of State Representative Michael Madigan.[18] In the wake of this scandal, five board members resigned.[19] In August 2013, the remaining board members unanimously elected Don Orseno as interim CEO. (The six-member board was operating with reduced membership and thus lacked the authority to elect a permanent CEO. Orseno and Alex Wiggins shared duties as co-executive directors.) Orseno's long railroad career, beginning with work to set up trains and check doors for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad played favorably in the board's decision.[20][21][22] By October 2013, local officials had restored Metra's board to 11 members.[23] After reviewing four candidates, the re-constituted board formally appointed Orseno CEO of Metra in January 2014.[24][25] In 2014, "a lengthy history of political patronage hiring at" Metra was reported, based on past files.[26]

Operations[edit]

Passengers near an inbound train at Geneva Station.

Stations[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of Metra stations.

Metra serves passengers through stations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Each station, unless a route or branch terminus, provides travel toward (inbound) and away from (outbound) downtown Chicago. Therefore, a passenger can connect between the city and a suburb or between two points in the suburbs using Metra service. Although Metra's commuter rail system is designed to connect points all over the Chicago metropolitan area, it does provide some intracity connections within Chicago.[27]

Metra trains originate from one of four stations in downtown Chicago. Six lines originate at Union Station. The three Union Pacific lines originate at Ogilvie Transportation Center, formerly (and still popularly called) North Western Station. The Rock Island District originates at LaSalle Street Station. The Metra Electric District originates at Millennium Station, formerly Randolph Street Terminal. These terminals are situated within walking distance of the Chicago Loop, so Metra passengers may easily transfer to a different Metra line upon their arrival downtown.[27] Metra's urban-centric service remains popular with suburban commuters working downtown, reverse commuters, and those who visit Chicago for recreational activities and tourism.[28]

Stations are found throughout Chicago, as well as in suburban Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties–an area largely coextensive with the inner ring of the Chicago metropolitan area. One station is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Routes[edit]

Metra operates 11 lines, most of which date from the mid-19th century. Four lines are operated under contract. The BNSF Line service is operated by BNSF Railway. The three lines out of the Ogilvie Transportation Center (formerly North Western Station) are operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. The other seven lines are operated by the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Rail Corporation (NIRC), Metra's operating subsidiary. Inbound trains on every line at all times run through to their Chicago terminus, however, many outbound trains do not run through to their respective lines' terminus (for example, most trains on the Union Pacific/Northwest Line do not run through to Harvard; instead, terminating at Crystal Lake).

█ BNSF Railway

The BNSF Railway Line is Metra's busiest route. This 37.5-mile (60.4 km) route runs from Union Station to Aurora, Illinois. It had an average of 63,000 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]

█ Heritage Corridor

Metra’s least patronized line, the Heritage Corridor is a 37.2-mile (59.9 km) route, running from Union Station to Joliet, Illinois during rush hours only, in peak direction. It had an average of 2,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]
Metra Electric Highliners at 59th Street station.

█ Metra Electric District

The shortest Metra Line, the Metra Electric District is a 31.5-mile (50.7 km) route from Millennium Station to University Park, with branch lines serving Blue Island and South Chicago. The line had an average of 28,100 passenger weekday trips in 2018-2019.[1]

█ Milwaukee District / North Line:

The Milwaukee District / North Line is a 49.5-mile (79.7 km) route from Union Station to Fox Lake, Illinois. The line had an average of 22,100 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]

█ Milwaukee District / West Line

The Milwaukee District / West Line is a 39.8-mile (64.1 km) route from Union Station to Big Timber Road in Elgin, Illinois; on weekends and holidays, service terminates in downtown Elgin. The line had an average of 20,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]

█ North Central Service

The North Central Service is a 52.8-mile (85.0 km) route from Union Station to Antioch, Illinois. It had an average of 5,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1] It does not run at all on weekends and holidays.

█ Rock Island District

The Rock Island District is a 46.6-mile (75.0 km) route to southwest and southern suburbs. The line has 26 stations on two branches from LaSalle Street Station to Joliet. It had an average of 26,900 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]

█ SouthWest Service

The SouthWest Service is a 40.8-mile (65.7 km) route from Union Station to Manhattan, Illinois, with most trains ending in Orland Park. It had an average of 9,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1] It does not run at all on Sundays and holidays.

█ Union Pacific / North Line:

The only Metra Line to go outside of Illinois, the Union Pacific / North Line is a 51.6-mile (83.0 km) route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Kenosha, Wisconsin, with most trains ending in Waukegan, Illinois. The line had an average of 34,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]

█ Union Pacific / Northwest Line

The longest Metra route, the Union Pacific / Northwest Line is a 70.5-mile (113.5 km) route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Harvard, Illinois, with most trains ending in Crystal Lake. During weekdays except for holidays, service also includes a 7.59-mile (12.21 km) branch line from Pingree Road to McHenry.[29] The line had an average of 40,100 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]

█ Union Pacific / West Line

The Union Pacific / West Line is a 43.6-mile (70.2 km) route running from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Elburn, Illinois. The line had an average of 27,900 weekday passenger trips in 2018-2019.[1]

Proposed routes[edit]

Metra proposed two routes in the early 2000s, SouthEast Service, which would connect some portions of the southern suburbs with downtown Chicago, and the Suburban Transit Access Route, which would connect various suburbs with each other without going into the downtown. As of 2020, only the SouthEast Service is still being considered.[30][31]

Pre-Metra routes[edit]

Several commuter lines were discontinued before Metra was established. The Illinois Central line from present day Millennium Station to Addison, Illinois, (closed 1931), Pennsylvania Railroad line to Valparaiso, Indiana, (closed 1935), New York Central line from LaSalle Street Station to Elkhart, Indiana, (closed 1964), and four Chicago & North Western lines to St. Charles, Aurora, Freeport, and Kenosha-Harvard (all municipalities in Illinois and Wisconsin, closed 1930-51). The Burlington Route had service between Aurora and West Chicago, Illinois (closed 1943). Chicago Eastern Illinois operated commuter service on this line out of Dearborn Station to Dolton and Momence, respectively. The Chicago and Eastern Illinois commuter line to Momence, Illinois, ended in 1935, while the Chicago and Western Indiana service to Dolton, Illinois, was discontinued in 1964. Chicago Great Western had commuter service to DeKalb, Illinois (closed 1906). Santa Fe service to Joliet, Illinois (closed 1903). However, Metra runs service to Joliet, Illinois, on two routes: Heritage Corridor and Rock Island District.

Ridership[edit]

Annual ridership[edit]

Annual ridership by line[32]
Line 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
BNSF Railway 16,658,357 16,400,290 16,325,320 16,235,817 15,822,652 15,468,014
Heritage Corridor 729,139 723,803 718,015 727,202 728,467 734,098
Metra Electric District 9,415,916 9,054,649 8,642,365 8,149,977 7,716,121 7,282,993
Milwaukee District / North Line 7,237,913 7,094,564 6,934,684 6,818,808 6,610,059 6,549,143
Milwaukee District / West Line 6,946,268 6,771,637 6,621,104 6,349,963 6,143,996 5,904,808
North Central Service 1,817,335 1,758,118 1,730,494 1,684,357 1,640,984 1,589,905
Rock Island District 8,544,753 8,305,273 8,112,784 7,923,588 7,578,330 7,338,133
SouthWest Service 2,659,040 2,604,292 2,538,273 2,457,418 2,420,921 2,356,767
Union Pacific / North Line 9,328,441 9,248,834 9,220,477 9,030,120 8,689,776 8,552,117
Union Pacific / Northwest Line 11,609,358 11,301,755 11,183,739 10,910,882 10,597,680 10,384,356
Union Pacific / West Line 8,423,188 8,367,264 8,375,067 8,332,483 8,139,344 7,883,185
Total 83,369,706 81,630,476 80,402,319 78,620,612 76,088,329 74,043,156
Annual ridership by year
Year Ridership
2008 86,808,870 [33]
2010 81,369,000 [34]
2012 81,270,253 [35]
2014 83,369,706 [32]
2015 81,630,476 [32]
2016 80,402,319 [32]
2017 78,620,612 [32]
2018 76,088,329 [32]
2019 74,043,516 [36]

Weekday ridership[edit]

Average weekday ridership by line
Line 2008[33] July 2008–
June 2009[37]		 2010[34] July 2011–
June 2012[35]		 July 2015–
June 2016[38]		 July 2016–
June 2017[39]
BNSF Railway 63,400 63,500 64,600 67,400 65,300 63,900
Heritage Corridor 2,800 2,800 2,600 2,600 2,400 2,400
Metra Electric District 42,800 41,200 36,200 36,400 32,800 31,600
Milwaukee District / North Line 26,100 26,000 23,500 23,100 22,900 22,800
Milwaukee District / West Line 22,900 22,600 22,300 22,800 22,300 22,100
North Central Service 5,700 5,800 5,400 5,800 5,800 5,800
Rock Island District 35,600 33,900 30,500 30,700 29,800 28,700
SouthWest Service 10,200 9,900 9,500 9,700 9,900 9,600
Union Pacific / North Line 41,000 42,000 36,400 35,400 35,500 34,700
Union Pacific / Northwest Line 43,500 43,500 40,900 41,000 40,700 39,600
Union Pacific / West Line 30,900 30,800 29,400 30,300 27,200 26,900
Total 325,000 322,100 301,200 305,200 294,600 288,100

Weekend ridership[edit]

Average weekend ridership by line
Line July 2011–
June 2012[40]
BNSF Railway 24,600
Heritage Corridor N/A
Metra Electric District 14,300
Milwaukee District / North Line 9,500
Milwaukee District / West Line 9,600
North Central Service N/A
Rock Island District 6,800
SouthWest Service 400
Union Pacific / North Line 17,300
Union Pacific / Northwest Line 19,500
Union Pacific / West Line 14,100
Total 116,100
Average weekend ridership
Period Avg. weekend ridership
2008[33] 120,700
July 2008–
June 2009[37]		 124,600
2010[34] 121,800
July 2011–
June 2012[35]		 116,100
July 2015–
June 2016[38]		 108,300
July 2016–
June 2017[39]		 105,900

Connections[edit]

Transportation in Chicago consists of a public transportation infrastructure allowing for intermodal connections to local, regional, national and international transportation services. Parking lots are available adjacent to most suburban Metra stations for passengers connecting with their train by car. Most parking lots are operated by the municipality they are located in. Fees and fines are also assessed by the local municipality; however, parking is usually free on weekends and most holidays.[41] Mass transit CTA and suburban Pace buses connect with many Metra stations downtown and in the suburbs. Monthly pass holders are offered link-up options with these services.[42] In addition, many intercity bus lines connect with passengers outside of Union Station.[43]

The Chicago "L" also has transfers with Metra at some Chicago stations. Most 'L' lines traverse the Loop allowing nearby access to all downtown Metra terminals. There are also transfer points between Metra and the 'L' outside of the Loop, such as transfers from the Union Pacific/Northwest Line to the Blue Line at Irving Park and Jefferson Park Transit Center; and from the Union Pacific / West Line to the Green Line at Oak Park.[44] 'L' trains announce downtown Metra connections on board when announcing the next 'L' stop.

Union Station doubles as both a Metra station and Amtrak's station in Chicago.[45] In addition to Illinois Service and Hiawatha Service, Amtrak trains run nationwide including service to states spanning both coastlines.[46] Passengers connecting from Ogilvie Transportation Center can access Union Station through its north platforms on the opposite side of Madison Street,[45] with Millennium and LaSalle stations also within a short walking distance of Union Station as well. A number of suburban Metra stations are also shared with Amtrak as well.

The South Shore Line, an interurban line connecting Chicago with the Indiana suburbs and South Bend, originates at Millennium Station and operates along much of the Chicago portion of the Electric District line, as far south as 63rd Street. Per a longstanding noncompete agreement, eastbound South Shore trains only stop at shared Electric District stations to board passengers, and westbound South Shore trains only stop to discharge passengers.

Positive train control[edit]

In regards to the PTC mandate that passed Congress, Metra took steps to meet the deadline. Metra concluded that the December 31, 2015 mandate to have PTC running was an unreasonable requirement. This aligns with the stance taken by much of the railroad industry.[47] This is due to a variety factors including but not limited to: delays from the government and the fundamental complexity of building a program from the ground up. Moreover, Metra estimates the cost of implementing the system on their 1,100 miles (1,800 km) of track in the Chicago region to be over $200 million.[48] The fear is this unfunded mandate will divert scarce capital funds from other essential needs. This includes building and maintaining existing tracks, stations, signals, and other equipment that ensures a safe operating environment for all of Metra’s passengers. However, Metra recognizes the need for PTC but just would like a more reasonable timeline to implement such a program. This recognition is partially based on Metra’s previous accident history. Two noteworthy events were a pair of accidents on the Rock Island District within a span of a couple of years. The first event was a derailment that occurred on October 12, 2003 when a train flew through a 10 mph crossing at 68 mph. A second very similar occurrence happened on September 17, 2005 but was more serious. This derailment killed 2 passengers and injured 117.[48] Both of these incidents could have been prevented if PTC were in place. In both circumstances PTC would have overridden the engineer and slowed the train down to the appropriate speed to prevent an accident from occurring.

Recently, Metra has taken significant steps in the process to fully implementing PTC. On April 22, 2015 the Metra board approved an $80 million contract to Parsons Transportation Group.[49] Parson’s was the sole bidder and speaks to the complexities of the project. They will be in charge of incorporating various devices from GPS, radio, to trackside antennas into one cohesive system. The group has some experience in this sector previously as Parsons worked with the southern California commuter rail agency Metrolink to install their system.

Fare system and ticketing[edit]

Entrance to a Metra bilevel rail car.

Fare is determined by the distance travelled by a passenger. Each station along every route has been placed in a specific zone based on its distance from its respective downtown station. Downtown terminal and downtown stations are classified as zone 'A' and each additional zone generally represents an added 5 miles (8.0 km) from the downtown terminus. Multiple stations can be placed in the same zone even though they are on the same line.[42] Fare zones include A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J.[50]

Tickets[edit]

Several ticketing options exist for passengers. Riders may choose to purchase one-way tickets, ten-ride tickets, weekend passes or monthly passes.[51]

  • A one-way ticket is used for one-way travel between two stations. For roundtrip travel, two one-way tickets can be purchased. One-way tickets can be purchased from ticket agents, with Ventra, or on the train from a conductor. Conductors will charge an extra $5 if a ticket agent was available at the passenger's departing station.[42][52][53]
  • A ten-ride provides ten rides between two zones determined at the time of purchase. Ten-rides can be shared between passengers and expire after one year from the date of purchase. Ten-rides can be purchased from ticket agents, by mail, online from Metra's website, or with Ventra.[42]
  • A weekend pass provides unlimited travel between any and all zones for one passenger on a Saturday and Sunday. Sometimes weekend passes are extended to include holidays adjacent to the weekend. Weekend passes can always be purchased from conductors without a surcharge. Weekend passes can also be purchased from ticket agents, or with Ventra. As of 2018, weekend passes cost $10.[42]
  • A monthly pass provides unlimited travel between any two zones for one passenger on every day of a respective month. Monthly passes can be used on any line within the specified zones. Monthly passes can be purchased from ticket agents, by mail, online from Metra's website, or with Ventra. Monthly pass holders may also purchase a Pace PlusBus card in conjunction with their monthly pass purchase. The PlusBus card provides unlimited rides on all Pace suburban buses.[54] A CTA/Pace Link-Up pass is also available for purchase. On CTA buses and the CTA 'L' the Link-Up pass allows unlimited travel during weekday rush hours and on Pace buses it allows unlimited travel anytime. Monthly pass holders may also travel beyond the zones listed on the monthly pass by purchasing incremental tickets from conductors on the train. Incremental tickets cost $1 beyond the first zone and 50 cents for every additional zone thereafter. There is no surcharge to purchase incremental tickets for monthly pass holders.[42]

Reduced fare programs[edit]

Metra allows some travellers to purchase reduced fare tickets or even ride for free. These reduced fare and free ride programs are administered by Metra and the RTA. Some pre-college students, youth, senior citizens, members of the United States Armed Forces and persons with disabilities may qualify for these programs. Time-based and geographical restrictions apply to these programs and passengers must ensure they qualify before attempting to purchase special tickets or ride for free.[42]

Safety and security[edit]

Metra F40PH locomotives at the Waukegan Station.

Metra employees, the Metra Police Department and other public safety agencies are responsible for maintaining safety and security on its lines, aboard its trains and at stations all to various degrees. Although rail transport is one of the safest forms of land travel,[55] compromises to Metra's safety and security can occur through pedestrian accidents, suicide attempts, vehicle collisions, derailment, terrorism and other incidents. Failing to maintain safety and security can result in equipment and infrastructure damage, extensive service disruptions, traumatic injuries and loss of life. Therefore, Metra and other agencies consider safety a top priority and dedicate a significant amount of resources to combat these dangers.[56]

Starting in early summer of 2013 Metra has announced plans to up police patrols on to the seven lines the agency operates: the Milwaukee Districts North and West, the North Central Service, the Heritage Corridor, South West Service, Rock Island and Electric District. The police patrols will not be on the BNSF and Union Pacific train lines because those line are operated by the railroads that own them and security falls to those companies. When asked why there were increasing patrols spokesman Michael Gillis said, "There is no particular reason, other than the fact that we want to be more proactive and more deliberately visible to our riders,"[57]

Law enforcement[edit]

The Metra Police Department is a special law enforcement agency charged with providing police services to passengers, employees, equipment and property. The department has more than 100 police officers and is responsible for the safety of all routes and stations.[58] In an effort to help coordinate emergency preparedness and incident management, all Metra police officers are certified in the National Incident Management System.[59] In addition, Metra police works with the Chicago Police Department as a member of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy.[58] Thomas A. Cook was the only Metra police officer that has been killed in the line of duty thus far.[60]

Rail safety[edit]

The focus on rail safety by Metra comes from many fronts beyond operations including emergency preparedness and public awareness.[59] The setup of railway platforms, use of grade crossing signals and horn blasts make up a critical system used to communicate movements of commuter trains to pedestrians and vehicles. Outside of these operational components, Metra aggressively pursues safety through public awareness. Metra utilizes its own Operation Lifesaver program and uses it to help spread safety messages. Metra also holds events promoting rail safety at schools and organizes a safety poster contest awarding winners with prizes and features their poster on monthly passes and at stations.[56]

Metra has been honored with several E. H. Harriman Awards for employee safety, most recently with a Bronze award in class B (line-haul railroads with between 4 and 15 million employee hours per year) for 2005. Previous Harriman Awards conferred to Metra include Gold awards for 2003 and 2004 and a Silver award for 2002.[61]

Metra expects to implement positive train control on its entire system in 2019, four years after the federally mandated 2015 deadline.[62]

Incidents[edit]

Metra related fatalities: The bar graph above shows the number of non-employee, Metra related deaths (listed vertically). This graph uses data from the previous decade and is organized by year (horizontally).[63]

There were 156 non-employee fatalities involving Metra equipment and Metra owned track between 2001 and 2010.[63] On average 15 people were killed annually based on data from that decade. The highest number of fatalities in a year throughout that time occurred in 2002, with 23 deaths and in 2010, with 21 deaths. The majority of these fatalities occurred at grade crossings and on railway involving an impact with a train; only four deaths involved passengers aboard the train.[63]

The worst passenger rail disaster in Illinois occurred prior to the formation of Regional Transportation Authority. The 1972 Chicago commuter rail crash consisted of a two train collision on the Metra Electric, then under the control of the Illinois Central. The collision resulted in 45 deaths and 332 injuries.[64] Two decades later, Metra experienced its first rail disaster, the 1995 Fox River Grove bus–train collision.[65] This accident involved a collision of a Union Pacific / Northwest Line train and a school bus at a grade crossing resulting in 21 injuries and the deaths of seven high school students.[65] In 2003, another incident involved a Rock Island District train derailing while switching from one track to another, injuring 45 passengers. In 2005, a train carrying 200 passengers along the same stretch of track derailed and then collided with a steel bridge resulting in two deaths and 117 injured. The cause of both accidents was ruled to be human error; the trains were going at speeds in excess of 68 miles per hour (109 km/h) when they should have been going 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).[66][67]

In addition to the loss of life, injuries, damage and service disruptions caused by accidents, Metra and other transportation agencies have been involved in multimillion-dollar lawsuits and settlements stemming from safety failures.[68][69] These failures have also resulted in updated safety policies and adjustments of equipment and warning devices.[65]

Rolling stock[edit]

Locomotive fleet[edit]

All of Metra's locomotives are diesel-electric locomotives. The bulk of its locomotive fleet consists of F40PH locomotives. The Electric District uses electric multiple units.

Metra F40PH-2 locomotive #181 coupled with MP36PH-3S locomotive #410
Metra F40PHM-2 locomotive #206
Builder Model Road numbers Year

Built

Routes assigned Notes
EMD SW1 1–2 1939 Switch service RI, Number 1 has been modified with MU Car couplers and is the oldest operating loco in the U.S. that is not preserved. It is used to transfer cars from Metra Electric at Blue Island to the Blue Island wheel house to maintain proper wheel profile on Metra Electric MU cars. Both originally Illinois Central units, then sold to Rock Island. Conveyed to RTA in the take over of commuter service.
EMD SW1200 3 N/A Rock Island District, switch service, work trains Originally Milwaukee Road
EMD SW1500 4–9 N/A RI, Milwaukee West, Milwaukee North, ME 7 Sold to NRE in Dixmoor IL as of 2015
EMD GP23ECO TBD TBD TBD Two GP23ECOs on order from Progress Rail.[70]
EMD SD70MACH TBD TBD TBD Used SD70MAC locomotives to be converted for Metra service. 15 on order, with options for 27 more.[71] First locomotives are expected in August 2021.
EMD F59PHI 73-93 1998 Milwaukee District, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor Ex-Amtrak Cascades and Pacific Surfliner 450-470 (Metra numbers in order), the first of these were delivered to Metra at the end of October 2018.[72]
EMD F59PH 94-99 [73][74] 1988 All Milwaukee District Lines, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor 97-99 ex-AMT. Brought into service in 2015. Painted in "lightning bolt" paint scheme. 94-96 in the process of delivery.[75]
EMD F40PH-3 100–149, 173-184, 215-217 1976–1981 All Diesel Routes 100-149 rebuilt to -3 specifications between 2008-2012[76]

100 repainted into RTA wrap from September 14, 2017-mid 2018

215-216 sold to Metra in 2009 by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum and refurbished by Progress Rail prior to service. 215 suffered a major fire on December 3, 2018 and has not returned to service since. [77]

EMD F40PH-2 150–172 1979–1983 Union Pacific Lines 174-184 Rebuilt to -3 specifications between 2016-2017. Former F40PH-2 175 was converted to an F40PH-3 and became the first F40PH-series locomotive to receive the current Metra "lightning bolt" paint scheme. Locomotive #217, an ex-Virginia Railway Express locomotive, has been rebuilt as an F40PH-3 and repainted into the "lightning bolt" paint scheme.
EMD F40PHM-2 185- 187, 189– 191, 193, 195-199,201–203,206-214 1991–1992 BNSF, RI and Southwest Service. All to be converted to F40PHM-3 status. 194 was the first F40PHM-2 to be repainted and rebuilt. The F40PHM-2s are the last F40PH series locomotives built by EMD. Number 205 was wrecked in a CSX Derailment on March 8, 2018 and was scrapped on site. Number 211 is now painted to commemorate the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
EMD F40PHM-3 188, 192, 194, 200 1991 BNSF Rebuilt from F40PHM-2 beginning in 2017. All units have been repainted into new Metra scheme/.
MPI MP36PH-3S 401–427 2003–2004 RI, Milwaukee North, Milwaukee West and North Central Service. To be converted to MP36PH-3C. As of late March 2019, 401, 405-414, 416-420, and 422-426 have been converted to MP36PH-3C status. 425 painted in Rock Island paint scheme and named "Don Orseno" in December 2017. 405 converted and painted in Milwaukee Road paint scheme in January 2019.
EMD F7 305, 308 1949 All Diesel Routes Retired, sold to the Illinois Railway Museum. 305 has been restored as Chicago and North Western 411, while 308 is still painted in Metra colors.
EMD E8 507-510, 512-522 1950–1953 CNW Routes Retired

508, 515, 516, and 518 now owned by IPH.

519 privately owned, numbered MREX 97. Currently located at the Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler, Arizona.[78]

522 owned by LWV and renumbered 101.

EMD E9 511 1955 CNW Routes Retired. Owned by UP and cosmetically restored to original number of UP 949.
EMD F40C 600–614 1974 Milwaukee Districts Retired

610 resides at NRE in Dixmoor, IL.

611 and 614 were retired in 2003 and 2004. In January 2005, they were brought back into service while several then-new MP36PH-3S locomotives were out of service with software issues. Due to the F40PH rebuild program, 611 returned to service in March 2009, and 614 returned to service in April 2009; both locomotives remained in service until mid-2012. Currently, 611 and 614 are sitting at Western Avenue with no plans for further service.

Coach fleet[edit]

A Nippon Sharyo gallery car, built in the early 2000s
Numbers Type Heritage Year Built Builder Disposition
700-787

790-795

Coach

Coach/Cab

Burlington Route 1950–1965

1965

Budd Operating, Rebuilt 1973

700-740, 752, 781, 790-795 sold to MItrain in Michigan

796-815

816-820

7100-7121

Coach/Cab

Coach

Coach

Burlington Northern 1973

1973

1977-1978

Budd Operating
6001–6194 Coach Metra 2002–2005 Nippon Sharyo Operating
7200–7382 Coach Milwaukee Road 1961–1980 Budd Operating
7400–7497 Coach Metra 1996–1998 Amerail Operating

Rebuilt, 2012

8200–8238 Coach/Cab Milwaukee Road 1961–1974 Budd Operating
8239–8275 Coach/Cab RTA 1978–1980 Budd Operating

Some have been converted to coaches.

8400–8478 Coach/Cab Metra 1994–1998 Morrison-Knudsen/Amerail Operating

Mainly assigned on the UP lines.

8501–8608 Coach/Cab Metra 2002–2005 Nippon Sharyo Operating
7700–7866 Coach Chicago and North Western 1960–1970 Pullman Operating

Five have been purchased back due to money problems.

7600–7613 Coach Chicago and North Western 1955 St. Louis Retired

Two preserved in the Illinois Railway Museum

7650–7681 Coach Chicago and North Western 1956 Pullman Retired

One preserved in Illinois Railway Museum as a cab coach

7867–7871 Coach Rock Island 1970 St. Louis Retired
7880 Coach (Former Parlor) Chicago and North Western 1958 Pullman Retired
7881–7885 Coach Rock Island 1970 Pullman Retired
7900–7901 Club Car Chicago and North Western 1955 St. Louis Retired
8700–8763 Coach/Cab Chicago and North Western 1960–1968 Pullman Retired

Privately owned club coaches[edit]

Numbers Type Heritage Year Built Builder Disposition
553 Private railroad car Chicago and North Western 1949 ACF Operating
555 Private railroad car Chicago and North Western 1949 ACF Retired

Metra electric fleet[edit]

Metra's electric units are also known as Highliners.

Numbers Type Heritage Year Built Builder Status
1201–1226 MU Coach Metra 2005 Nippon Sharyo Operating
1227–1238 MU Coach Metra 2012 Sumitomo Group[79] Operating
1239–1279 MU Coach Metra 2013 Sumitomo Group Operating
1280-1386 MU Coach Metra 2014-2016 Sumitomo Group Operating
1501–1630 MU Coach Illinois Central 1971–1972 St. Louis Retired
1631–1666 MU Coach Illinois Central 1978–1979 Bombardier Retired

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

Route map:

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