As Red Line extension advances, a cheaper way hides in plain sight The CTA’s $3.7 billion plan to extend rail service to 130th Street overlaps rail service already in place. Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 25, 2023
$1 billion plan to improve Union Station infrastructure needs quick signature from Biden It’s time for President Biden — whose fondness for train travel earned him the nickname “Amtrak Joe” — to do his part for Chicago and sign off on money that will benefit millions of riders every year. Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 23, 2023
Man fatally struck by Rock Island Line train at Midlothian station Trains were running about 20 minutes behind schedule as of 11:30 a.m. Service had been halted earlier in the morning. Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 15, 2023
Metra Rock Island services shut down following derailment near La Salle Street Station The train was carrying about 600 passengers but no injuries were reported. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 28, 2023
With more investment, we can make public transit better for everyone Increasing funding is key if public transit is going to adapt, attract more riders, expand access, grow our economy, and combat climate change, the head of the Regional Transportation Authority writes. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 22, 2023
To boost ridership, take Metra beyond the 9-to-5 commute If officials have to take out the pencils and banker’s eyeshades to solve the $730 million fiscal cliff anyway, why not find the will to fund a transformation of Metra? Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 22, 2023
The 9-to-5 commuter is going extinct. That spells change ahead for Metra. The Chicago area’s commuter railway is taking a cold, hard look at a future with fewer office workers. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 17, 2023
Fare changes, consolidated transit agencies among the ideas to reshape Chicago-area public transportation The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has been tasked by the state with developing recommendations that would reshape the region’s transit. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 17, 2023
Metra extension to Rockford doesn’t make economic sense The proposed service expansion is unnecessary and duplicative, and will likely run at a tremendous loss, subsidized by the taxpayers. Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 11, 2023
Metra service between Chicago and Rockford to begin in 2027 The last time passenger trains connected the two cities was in 1981. Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 6, 2023
Metra dreams big for Rock Island line’s future, but money’s an issue As COVID funds are set to expire, Metra seeks ways to keep services attractive to a ridership increasingly different from the 9-to-5 Loop commuters that once formed its base. Chicago Sun-Times · May 17, 2023
Man struck and killed by freight train in Geneva The man, 49, had exited a Metra train near Third Street and Western Avenue just before he was struck, Geneva police said. Chicago Sun-Times · May 6, 2023
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day invites kids to learn about parents’ jobs The annual event - held April 27 this year - offers kids a glimpse into their parents’ life at the office and is being held both remotely and in person. Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 26, 2023
No old faces should be in the running for Chicago police superintendent Every one of them should have given it everything they had before leaving, and therefore should have nothing left in the tank. Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 25, 2023
Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 24, 2023 Person fatally struck by Metra train in Evanston Trains were halted in both directions and faced extensive delays in the hours after the incident, according to alerts from Metra. One track reopened a little after 11 a.m.
Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 8, 2023 Person struck and killed by Metra train in Downers Grove The person was pronounced dead at the Main Street station, according to a spokesperson from Metra.
Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 26, 2023 Canadian Pacific freight train cars derail in Franklin Park Two cars derailed, but no injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were released, a Canadian Pacific spokesperson said. The tracks were cleared in hours.
Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 21, 2023 Kennedy Expressway commute no big deal Tuesday? Might not be so lucky for the remainder of the week Lane closures on the Kennedy are expected to extend from the junction with the Edens Expressway south to Fullerton by Wednesday as a multi-year revamp gets underway.
Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 18, 2023 What the next mayor can — and should — do for public transportation Bringing on more police to curb crime, running more Metra trains to accommodate non-traditional work hours and lobbying for more funding are some of the things transit experts tell us must be on the new mayor’s to-do list.
Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 15, 2023 Railroad merger OK blasted by suburban mayors, Illinois lawmakers Metra, suburban mayors wary of more delays because of increase freight traffic in the Chicago area.
Tribune News Service · Mar 15, 2023 Feds approve major railroad merger despite growing concerns over rail safety Federal regulators have approved the $31 billion merger of Kansas City Southern railroad with Canadian Pacific.
Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 22, 2023 Regional mass transit needs more public investment, RTA chief says Citing upcoming shortfalls in RTA’s operating budget, Kirk Dillard proposes improvements to CTA, Pace and Metra if public funding can be secured in upcoming years.
Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 13, 2023 CTA, Pace to launch joint, unlimited-ride passes Feb. 20 The CTA and Pace are merging their day and multiday pass programs into a series of passes that work across both platforms. Prices won’t change.
Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 7, 2023 Workers actually benefit from time spent commuting Commutes are a source of “liminal space” — a time free of both home and work roles that provides an opportunity to recover from work and mentally switch gears to home.
Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 21, 2023 To boost Metra ridership, integrate fares with CTA If Metra wants new riders, it would do well to work with the CTA to allow commuters to transfer between the two agencies without paying more for the privilege.