Metra

Metra
G Pei · Public domain · source
Name	Metra
Locale	Chicago metropolitan area
Transit type	Commuter rail
Began operation	1984
Lines	11
Stations	242
Track gauge	ussg
Operator	Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation
Website	metrarail.com

Metra. It is the commuter rail system serving the Chicago metropolitan area and is operated by the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation. The system provides vital transportation links from Chicago to its surrounding suburbs across six counties in Illinois and into Indiana. Metra is one of the largest and busiest commuter rail networks in the United States, known for its distinctive EMD F40PH locomotives and Gallery cars.

History

The system's origins trace back to the numerous private railroad companies that served the region, such as the Chicago and North Western Railway, the Milwaukee Road, and the Illinois Central Railroad. Following the decline of private passenger service and the creation of Amtrak in 1971, the need for a unified regional commuter network led to the formation of the Regional Transportation Authority in 1974. Metra was officially established in 1984 to consolidate and manage these services, inheriting operations from the Rock Island Railroad and the Chicago, South Shore and South Bend Railroad. Key figures in its development included Philip Pagano, who served as its executive director for many years.

Operations

Metra operates over 500 trains on a typical weekday across its network, which extends over 1,200 miles of track. Service is concentrated during peak commuting hours, with more limited schedules on weekends and holidays. Operations are conducted on lines owned by Metra itself, as well as on tracks owned by major freight railroads like BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Canadian National Railway. The system is a critical component of the regional transit network, connecting with the CTA's Chicago 'L' and Pace bus services at major terminals such as Chicago Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Rolling stock

The fleet primarily consists of diesel locomotive-hauled push-pull trains, featuring iconic EMD F40PH and newer MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives. The majority of passenger cars are Gallery cars, a double-deck design unique to Chicago-area commuter rail that allows for high passenger capacity. On electric lines, such as the Metra Electric District, the system operates with Highliner electric multiple-unit cars. Metra has engaged in modernization programs, including orders for new Siemens Charger locomotives and the upcoming Next Generation bi-level cars to replace aging equipment.

Fares and ticketing

Fares are structured into zones based on distance from Chicago, with prices varying for one-way, ten-ride, and monthly passes. Tickets can be purchased via ticket agents at major stations, through vending machines, or using the Ventra app. The system offers reduced fares for seniors, students, and persons with disabilities, and participates in the U-Pass program with participating colleges. Metra has integrated its fare collection with the regional Ventra card system and continues to explore contactless payment options.

Governance and funding

Metra is governed by an 11-member board of directors, with appointments made by the Cook County Board, collateral counties, and the Governor of Illinois. Its parent agency is the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees funding and planning for all transit in northeastern Illinois. Primary funding sources include sales tax revenues from the six-county service area, passenger fares, and capital grants from the Federal Transit Administration. Major capital projects, like the UP West Line expansion, often involve partnerships with entities like the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Stations and routes

The network comprises 11 lines radiating from downtown Chicago, serving 242 stations across regions like the North Shore, Fox Valley, and Southland. Key terminals include Chicago Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, LaSalle Street Station, and Millennium Station. Notable lines include the BNSF Railway Line, one of the busiest commuter lines in the U.S., and the historic South Shore Line which extends into Indiana. Major stations like Arlington Heights, Naperville, and Joliet serve as significant suburban transit hubs.

Category:Rail transportation in Illinois Category:Transportation in Chicago Category:Commuter rail in the United States