Tragedy looms over Juarez, tax refunds for Cook County homeowners and more in your Chicago news roundup Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories. Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 19, 2023
To fill trains in 2023, Metra aims for commuters to college and high school students To climb back to pre-pandemic high ridership numbers — and reduce reliance on federal relief funding — Metra board members discussed strategies for reaching new kinds of commuters at a Wednesday board meeting. Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 18, 2023
Illinois legislature passes assault weapon ban, a new tool for Metra riders and more in your Chicago news roundup Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories. Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 10, 2023
Metra launches live train tracker GPS equipment has been installed on more than half of Metra lines as the $26.7 million project went live Tuesday. Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 10, 2023
Delays on Metra’s Rock Island line after train hits vehicle in Morgan Park neighborhood The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Monday near the 115th Street station, according to Metra. It was not known if anyone was injured. Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 9, 2023
Stadium developer advising Lightfoot makes a case for domed Soldier Field with Bears anchoring a new commercial zone Bob Dunn, president of Landmark Development and an adviser to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration, says the plan would benefit the Bears — if team would go for it. Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 8, 2023
13-year-old boy, woman killed when Metra train strikes car in Lake County The driver of the Elantra was going south on Wilson Road when he passed the crossing’s warning lights and lowered gates, police said. Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 19, 2022
Metra to rebuild 3 Electric Line stations on South Side The stations at 79th, 87th and 103rd streets will be rebuilt from the ground up starting next summer and will be made handicap accessible, the transit agency announced Wednesday. Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 14, 2022
A budget cliff is looming for Chicago transit agencies, and fare hikes and service cuts might not be able to fill it In November 2019, people trying to get to work or take weekend outings in Chicagoland crammed themselves onto the “L,” public buses and commuter trains at least 39.6 million times. Chicago Tribune · Dec 12, 2022
Metra train strikes car in Arlington Heights The driver of the car was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 9, 2022
Pedestrian struck by Metra UP Northwest train in Arlington Heights The incident happened before 6:30 a.m. near the railroad crossing at Ridge and Northwest Highway. Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 30, 2022
Skokie woman mourned after fatal crash with US Capitol rioter, Quinn skips mayor’s race and more in your Chicago news roundup Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories. Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 17, 2022
Rep. Krishnamoorthi releases memo showing Canadian Pacific Railway dispatchers cause Metra delays A spokesman for Canadian Pacific said the memo somewhat exaggerates the effect of freight interference on passenger trains on Metra’s Milwaukee District-West line. Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 27, 2022
Person fatally struck by freight train in Joliet Service was delayed on the Heritage Corridor and Rock Island lines, according to an alert posted on Metra’s website. Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 26, 2022
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 25, 2022 $380 million flyover project expected to ease rail congestion Planners hope a new rail bridge will resolve one of the largest chokepoints for passenger and freight rail traffic in the nation.
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 18, 2022 Better scheduling is fix for CTA’s problem with ghost buses, trains Ghost trains and buses are far more common on weekends than weekdays, even though weekends are becoming “peak” times. Why not adjust scheduling to meet riders’ needs?
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 13, 2022 Metra might keep Super Saver pass after board balks at return to zoned system Metra officials outlined a 2023 budget Wednesday that drew questions about eliminating a popular $100 monthly pass.
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 13, 2022 Pedestrian hit by Metra Electric train near Windsor Park station The pedestrian suffered minor injuries and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized, Chicago fire officials said.
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 5, 2022 How volunteers are preserving the history of Black Chicagoans, shelter animals rescued from Ian arrive and more in your Chicago news roundup Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 5, 2022 Durbin, Krishnamoorthi call on federal board to delay merger between Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said the merger would mean more freight trains moving through the Chicago area that could be harmful to the environment, trigger traffic jams on streets and make it more difficult for first responders to get to places in times of emergencies.
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 4, 2022 Volunteers plant trees at Shriners hospital to create buffer from passenger, freight trains Fifteen oak, bald cypress and catalpa trees will create a wall to protect from noise and air pollution, as well as offer green views that promote healing.
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 1, 2022 Metra bids au revoir to Van Buren station’s Parisian-styled entrance The commuter agency is replacing the ornate portal with a new and accessible entrance as part of a $100 million station upgrade.
Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 29, 2022 Chicago area transit systems reach pre-pandemic milestone with combined 1 million weekday riders “It’s heartening to see ridership consistently increase and break records, and we’re committed to continuing to improve the system,” said Leanne Redden, executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority.
Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 27, 2022 Metra billboard sparks alternative, grim interpretation on social media “It was simply intended to plant the idea to those stuck in traffic that commuting by train was an easier way in and out of the city,” a Metra spokeswoman said.
Tribune News Service · Sep 14, 2022 How the freight rail strike would impact US commuters Several U.S. cities are bracing for travel disruptions as a looming strike against freight railroads threatens ripple effects on passenger service from Washington to Chicago and Los Angeles.