Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{Short description|Suburban railroad operator in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area, in the US}}
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{{Update|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Metra
| image = Metra Logo.svg
| image2 = Outbound Metra at Schiller Park.jpg
| caption2 = An outbound [[North Central Service]] train approaches [[Schiller Park station]] in June 2019, being led by an Ex-Amtrak [[EMD F59PH#F59PHI|EMD F59PHI]]
| owner = [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|Regional Transportation Authority]] (RTA)
| locale = [[Chicago metropolitan area]], [[United States]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]
| lines = 11
| stations = 241 year-round, 1 seasonal, 2 under construction
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| chief_executive = James M. Derwinski<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pyke|first1=Marni|title=Metra picks James Derwinski as new chief|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170816/metra-picks-james-derwinski-as-new-chief|website=Daily Herald|access-date=January 28, 2018|date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=September 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905140330/https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170816/metra-picks-james-derwinski-as-new-chief|url-status=live}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|metra.com}}
| began_operation = 1984
| operator = Metra, [[Union Pacific Railroad]], [[BNSF Railway]]
| marks = METX
| system_length = {{convert|487.5|mi}}<ref name="operations">{{cite web|url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data|title=Operations and Ridership Data|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=2020-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331203308/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| el = {{plainlist|1=
*[[Metra Electric]]: {{1,500 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
*Other lines: none
}}
| map = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road
|from1=Metra Electric District.map
|from2=Rock Island District.map
|from3=SouthWest Service.map
|from4=Heritage Corridor.map
|from5=BNSF Line.map
|from6=Union Pacific West Line.map
|from7=Milwaukee District West Line.map
|from8=Union Pacific Northwest Line.map
|from9=North Central Service.map
|from10=Milwaukee District North Line.map
|from11=Union Pacific North Line.map
}}
|Show interactive map
|{{Metra System}}
|Show route diagram map
}}
| map_state =
| headquarters = 547 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
}}
'''Metra''' {{reporting mark|METX}} is the primary [[commuter rail]] system{{efn|Northern Indiana commuters are served by the [[South Shore Line]] under a different public authority.}} in the [[Chicago metropolitan area]] serving the city of [[Chicago]] and its surrounding suburbs via the [[Union Pacific Railroad]], [[BNSF Railway]], and other railroads. The system operates 242 [[train station|stations]] on 11 rail lines.<ref name="operations" /> It is the [[List of United States commuter rail systems by ridership|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]]. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}. The estimated busiest day for Metra ridership occurred on November 4, 2016—the day of the Chicago Cubs [[2016 World Series]] victory rally.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2016 |title=Cubs victory celebration sets new record for Metra |url=https://metra.com/newsroom/cubs-victory-celebration-sets-new-record-metra |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117204652/https://metra.com/newsroom/cubs-victory-celebration-sets-new-record-metra |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=2016-12-08 |website=metrarail.com}}</ref>
Metra is the descendant of numerous commuter rail services dating to the 1850s. The present system dates to 1974, when the [[Illinois General Assembly]] established the [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|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 a 1983 reorganization, the RTA placed commuter rail under a newly formed Commuter Rail Division, which branded itself as Metra in 1985. Freight rail companies still operate four of Metra's routes under purchase-of-service agreements. Metra owns all [[rolling stock]] and is responsible for all stations along with the respective municipalities.<ref>{{cite web | title = Our History Metra | quote = Metra owns the rolling stock and in conjunction with local municipalities is responsible for most stations. | url = https://metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history | access-date = 2018-08-11 | archive-date = 2019-03-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190308002617/https://www.metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history | url-status = dead }}</ref> Since its inception, Metra has directed more than $5 billion into the commuter rail system of the Chicago metropolitan area alongside the [[Chicago Transit Authority|CTA]]. In January 2023, Metra rolled out a new real-time train tracking website to allow passengers greater visibility into their commute.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metratracker.com/home|title=Loading...|website=metratracker.com|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221121645/https://metratracker.com/home|url-status=live}}</ref>
== History ==
{{See also|History of passenger rail in Chicago}}
=== Early Chicago commuter rail ===
Since its founding in the 19th century, Chicago has been a major Midwestern hub in the North American rail network.<ref name=ChicagoHistoryEncyc-Railroads>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Railroads | encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Chicago | publisher = Chicago Historical Society | url = http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1039.html | date = January 23, 2009 | access-date = May 12, 2011 | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015906/http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1039.html | url-status = live }}</ref> It has more trackage radiating in more directions than any other city in North America.<ref name=ChicagoHistoryEncyc-Railroads /> 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 [[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad|Chicago, Burlington and Quincy]], [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]], and [[Milwaukee Road]].
By the 1930s, Chicago had the world's largest public transportation system, but commuter rail services started to decline.<ref name=UIC-CCRC>{{cite web | title = Chicago Commuter Rail Collection | work = Special Collection Finding Aids | publisher = [[University of Illinois at Chicago]] | url = http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/specialcoll/services/rjd/findingaids/CCRb.html | date = August 17, 2006 | access-date = May 12, 2011 | archive-date = May 30, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100530055331/http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/specialcoll/services/rjd/findingaids/CCRb.html | url-status = live }}</ref> 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 car (rail)|passenger cars]] dating as far back as the 1920s.<ref name=ChicagoTransitRailfan-MetraHistory>{{cite web | title = Metra History | first = Bill | last = Vandervoort | work = Metra Railfanning | url = http://web.me.com/willvdv/chirailfan/hismetra.html | date = October 12, 2010 | access-date = May 12, 2011 | archive-date = January 29, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100129044616/http://web.me.com/willvdv/chirailfan/hismetra.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
=== Formation of the RTA ===
[[File:Elgin (289733876).jpg|thumb|right|RTA EMD F40PH No. 123 crossing the [[Fox River (Illinois River tributary)|Fox River]] in [[Elgin, Illinois]], in 1981]]
To provide stability to the commuter rail system, the [[Illinois General Assembly]] formed the [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|Regional Transportation Authority]] in 1974.<ref name=Metra-History>{{cite web |title=Metra History |work=About Metra |publisher=Metra |url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308002617/https://www.metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref name=ChicagoTransitRailfan-MetraHistory /> The companies that had long provided commuter rail in the Chicago area continued to operate their lines under contract to the RTA.<ref name=Metra-History />
Less than a decade later the Regional Transportation Authority was already suffering from ongoing financial problems. Additionally, two rail providers, the [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|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 (transit)|Pace]], it was one of RTA's three "service boards".<ref name=Metra-History />
=== Metra branding ===
[[File:Metra 614.jpg|thumb|right|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 '''Met'''ropolitan '''Ra'''il.<ref name=":0">{{cite news | url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-07-11/news/8502140915_1_rail-board-metra-regional-transportation-authority | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Rail Board To Assume New Identity: Metra | date=July 11, 1985 | access-date=2013-08-04 | archive-date=2013-11-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111190827/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-07-11/news/8502140915_1_rail-board-metra-regional-transportation-authority | url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=Metra-History /> 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 and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago & North Western]]) and [[BNSF Railway|BNSF]] (formerly [[Burlington Northern Railroad|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.<ref name=Metra-History />
By the first quarter of 2024, the Union Pacific Railroad is expected to transfer operations of the three Union Pacific lines to Metra. Union Pacific will continue to own and maintain the right-of-way.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.up.com/media/releases/metra-commuter-rail-nr-230330.htm?agfc=NewsRelease&agfm=LinkedIn&agfs=social |title=Union Pacific Transferring Commuter Rail Services to Metra |publisher=Union Pacific Railroad |access-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401154235/https://www.up.com/media/releases/metra-commuter-rail-nr-230330.htm?agfc=NewsRelease&agfm=LinkedIn&agfs=social |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Growth and expansion ===
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, 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).<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/On_Time_Performance/OTPreport2012M12.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204041810/http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/On_Time_Performance/OTPreport2012M12.pdf |archive-date=2015-02-04 }}</ref> It also posted its fourth highest volume in its history despite decreases in employment opportunities in downtown Chicago.<ref name=Metra-AnnualRidership>{{cite web|title=Metra Ridership Reports – Annual Ridership |work=Metra Annual Report |publisher=Metra |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports/annual_ridership.html |date=March 10, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527172814/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports/annual_ridership.html |archive-date=May 27, 2012 }}</ref>
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.<ref name=Metra-History /> In addition to core improvements on the [[Union Pacific Northwest Line|Union Pacific Northwest]] and Union Pacific West Lines, planning advanced on two new Metra routes, [[SouthEast Service (Metra)|SouthEast Service]] and the [[Suburban Transit Access Route]] ("STAR" Line).<ref name=Metra-Connects>{{cite web|title=Metra Connects |publisher=Metra |url=http://metraconnects.metrarail.com/index.php |access-date=May 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714080431/http://www.metraconnects.metrarail.com/index.php |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> In 2023, Metra announced plans to extend the [[Milwaukee District West Line]] to Rockford, Illinois, with intermediate stops at [[Huntley, Illinois|Huntley]] and [[Belvidere, Illinois|Belvidere]], by 2027.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|title=Metra service between Chicago and Rockford to begin in 2027|author=Mitch Dudek|date=July 6, 2023|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=July 6, 2023|archive-date=July 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706170043/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Corruption ===
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 [[George Ryan#Scandals, trial, and conviction|Operation Safe Road]] scandal.<ref>{{cite news |title = From GOP insider to federal witness |date = July 8, 2002 |author = Long, Jeff |author2 = Japsen, Bruce |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0207080199jul08-story.html |newspaper = [[Chicago Tribune]] |location = [[Chicago]] |access-date = July 22, 2018 |archive-date = July 23, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064149/http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0207080199jul08-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |title = FBI file on Metra's Phil Pagano offers sad lessons |date = April 2, 2014|author = Hinz, Greg |url= http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140402/BLOGS02/140409939/fbi-file-on-metras-phil-pagano-offers-sad-lessons |newspaper = [[Crain's Chicago Business]]|location = [[Chicago]] | access-date = July 22, 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Tribune-SourceCodePayoff>{{cite news |title = Metra probe of alleged shakedown got lost in 'chaos' following agency pay scandal |date = April 14, 2011 |author = Wronski, Richard |author2 = Metz, Nina |url = http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-04-14/news/ct-met-metra-extortion-20110414_1_metra-probe-transit-agency-metra-official |newspaper = [[Chicago Tribune]] |location = [[Chicago]] |access-date = May 12, 2011 |archive-date = September 27, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927235451/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-04-14/news/ct-met-metra-extortion-20110414_1_metra-probe-transit-agency-metra-official |url-status = live }}</ref>
In June 2013, Metra CEO Alex Clifford abruptly resigned his position with no public comment. It was later reported that his exit had been demanded by the Metra board, which negotiated a $871,000 severance package including a [[non-disclosure agreement]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2013/08/21/rta-report-blasts-metra-over-clifford.html | title=RTA report blasts Metra board over Clifford severance | access-date=2013-09-10 | archive-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816132345/http://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2013/08/21/rta-report-blasts-metra-over-clifford.html | url-status=live }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-12/news/chi-former-metra-ceo-cites-madigan-influence-in-downfall-20130712_1_memo-metra-ceo-alex-clifford-inspector-general | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Metra CEO memo alleges more Madigan influences | date=July 12, 2013 | access-date=2013-09-10 | archive-date=2013-09-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917113518/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-12/news/chi-former-metra-ceo-cites-madigan-influence-in-downfall-20130712_1_memo-metra-ceo-alex-clifford-inspector-general | url-status=live }}</ref> In the wake of this scandal, five board members resigned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc7chicago.com/archive/9207882/|title=5th Metra board member, Stanley Rakestraw, resigns under pressure from Toni Preckwinkle|first=Eric|last=Horng|work=abc7chicago.com|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=8 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108032629/https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9207882/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/22186467-418/metra-names-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo.html|title=Metra names 'railroad man' as interim CEO|last=Rossi|first=Rosalind|date=August 27, 2013|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311180844/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/22186467-418/metra-names-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-metra-board-meeting-20130828,0,2334060.story|title=Veteran 'railroad guy' takes over at Metra|last=Wronski|first=Richard|author2=Stacy St. Clair|date=August 28, 2013|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=August 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828102139/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-metra-board-meeting-20130828,0,2334060.story|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/08/27/metra-board-picks-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo/|title=Metra Board Picks 'Railroad Man' As Interim Director|date=August 27, 2013|work=CBS Chicago|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901133737/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/08/27/metra-board-picks-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo/|url-status=live}}</ref> By October 2013, local officials had restored Metra's board to 11 members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-10-21/news/ct-met-metra-board-20131019_1_new-board-members-new-ventra-fare-card-cook-county-commissioners|title=New board members take seats at Metra|date=October 21, 2013|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219093235/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-10-21/news/ct-met-metra-board-20131019_1_new-board-members-new-ventra-fare-card-cook-county-commissioners|url-status=live}}</ref> After reviewing four candidates, the re-constituted board formally appointed Orseno CEO of Metra in January 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-31/news/chi-metra-ceo-20140131_1_alex-clifford-metra-chief-executive-acting-chairman-jack-partelow|title=Former train engineer Orseno named Metra chief executive|date=January 31, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311180941/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-31/news/chi-metra-ceo-20140131_1_alex-clifford-metra-chief-executive-acting-chairman-jack-partelow|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-30/news/ct-metra-executive-director-met-20140130_1_acting-chairman-jack-partelow-don-orseno-second-largest-commuter-rail-agency|title=Metra's board faces decision on new executive director|date=January 30, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311180811/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-30/news/ct-metra-executive-director-met-20140130_1_acting-chairman-jack-partelow-don-orseno-second-largest-commuter-rail-agency|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2014, "a lengthy history of political patronage hiring at" Metra was reported, based on past files.<ref>{{cite news |title = Metra files reveal years of political patronage |date = April 16, 2014 |author = [[Associated Press]] |url = http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140416/NEWS02/140419819/metra-files-reveal-years-of-political-patronage |newspaper = [[Crain's Chicago Business]] |location = [[Chicago]] |access-date = July 22, 2018 |archive-date = November 8, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221108034147/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140416/NEWS02/140419819/metra-files-reveal-years-of-political-patronage |url-status = live }}</ref>
=== Underfunding ===
For a long time, Metra was not being funded enough to keep most equipment and rolling stock up to date. On average, the agency received approximately $700 million a year, but Metra claims to need about $2 billion a year, which only since 2020 has been accomplished. Because of this, Metra had to cut back on new rolling stock, instead resorting to their Rebuild Programs, in which they rebuild railcars and locomotives with newer state of the art utilities. Rebuilds cost only a fraction as much as buying new rolling stock, such as with their Amerail built cars. Rebuild programs can rebuild aging cars for approximately $650,000, whereas buying that same railcar new would be approximately $3 million.<ref>{{Citation |title=Metra Railcar Rehab |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrwjG0T2kgc |language=en |access-date=2022-03-18 |archive-date=2022-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318141345/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrwjG0T2kgc |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Operations ==
[[File:Geneva Metra 071020.jpg|thumb|right|Passengers near an inbound train at [[Geneva (Metra)|Geneva Station]]]]
=== Stations ===
{{main list|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.<ref name=Metra-SystemMap>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map.html |title= Metra System Map |date= April 3, 2011 |work= Maps and schedules |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 12, 2011 |archive-date= June 29, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160629033151/http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map.html |url-status= dead }}</ref>
Metra trains originate from one of four stations in downtown Chicago. Six lines originate at [[Union Station (Chicago)|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 and still often called Randolph Street Terminal. All four terminals are situated within walking distance of the [[Chicago Loop]], so Metra passengers can easily transfer to a different Metra line upon their arrival downtown.<ref name=Metra-SystemMap /> Metra's urban-centric service remains popular with suburban commuters working downtown, [[reverse commute]]rs, and those who visit Chicago for recreational activities and [[tourism]].<ref name=Ranney-TF022004>{{cite conference |url= http://www.chicagometropolis2020.org/documents/CM2020Testimony020604.pdf |title= Testimony to the Regional Transportation Task Force |first= George |last= Ranney |date= February 6, 2004 |conference= Regional Transportation Task Force |location= [[Chicago]] |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111005215857/http://www.chicagometropolis2020.org/documents/CM2020Testimony020604.pdf |archive-date= October 5, 2011 }}</ref>
Stations are found throughout Chicago, as well as in suburban [[Cook County, Illinois|Cook]], [[DuPage County, Illinois|DuPage]], [[Kane County, Illinois|Kane]], [[Lake County, Illinois|Lake]], [[McHenry County, Illinois|McHenry]], and [[Will County, Illinois|Will]] counties—an area largely coextensive with the inner ring of the Chicago metropolitan area. One station is located in [[Kenosha station|Kenosha, Wisconsin]].
=== Routes ===
Metra operates on 11 lines, most of which date from the mid-19th century. Four lines are operated under purchase-of-service agreements. 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; five of these primarily run over track owned by other railroads, while two (the Electric and Rock Island districts) run entirely on Metra-owned track. 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).
[[File:Metra Electric train.jpg|thumb|right|Metra Electric [[Highliner]]s at [[59th Street (Metra)|59th Street station]]]]
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|BNSF}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|BNSF}}'''
:The BNSF Line is Metra's busiest route. This {{convert|37.5|mi|km|adj=on}} route runs from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Aurora}}, Illinois. It had an average of 63,000 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|hc}}'''
:Metra's least patronized line, the Heritage Corridor is a {{convert|37.2|mi|km|adj=on}} route, running from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Joliet}}, Illinois during weekday rush hours only in the peak direction. It had an average of 2,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|me}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|me}}'''
:The Metra Electric District is a {{convert|31.5|mi|km|adj=on}} electrically powered route from Millennium Station to {{stl|Metra|University Park}}, with an additional {{convert|9.1|mi|km}} of branch lines serving {{stl|Metra|Blue Island}} (except Sundays and holidays) and {{stl|Metra|South Chicago (93rd Street)}}. The line had an average of 28,100 passenger weekday trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|mdn}}'''
:The Milwaukee District North Line is a {{convert|49.5|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Fox Lake}}, Illinois. The line had an average of 22,100 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|mdw}}'''
:The Milwaukee District West Line is a {{convert|39.8|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Big Timber Road}} in [[Elgin, Illinois]]; on weekends and holidays, service terminates in downtown {{stl|Metra|Elgin}}. The line had an average of 20,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" /> In 2023, Metra announced plans to extend the Milwaukee District West Line to [[Rockford, Illinois]] by 2027.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|title=Metra service between Chicago and Rockford to begin in 2027|author=Mitch Dudek|date=July 6, 2023|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=July 6, 2023|archive-date=July 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706170043/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|url-status=live}}</ref>
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|nc}}'''
:The North Central Service is a {{convert|52.8|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Antioch}}, Illinois. It had an average of 5,600-weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" /> It does not run at all on weekends and holidays.
[[File:Metra Timetables (2019).jpg|thumb|right|Various timetables (2018–19)]]
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|ri}}'''
:The Rock Island District is a {{convert|40.0|mi|km|adj=on}} route (not inclusive of the {{convert|6.6|mi|km|adj=on}} Beverly Branch) to the southwest and southern suburbs. The line has 26 stations on two branches from LaSalle Street Station to {{stl|Metra|Joliet}}. Some trains branch off onto a local track and terminate at {{stl|Metra|Blue Island|ri}}. It had an average of 26,900 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|sw}}'''
:The SouthWest Service is a {{convert|40.8|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Manhattan}}, Illinois, though most trains end at {{stl|Metra|Orland Park 179th Street}}. It had an average of 9,600-weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" /> It does not run at all on Sundays and holidays, and Saturday service is currently suspended.
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|upn}}'''
:The only route that travels outside Illinois, the Union Pacific North Line is a {{convert|51.6|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to {{stl|Metra|Kenosha}}, Wisconsin, with most trains ending in {{stl|Metra|Waukegan}}, Illinois. The line had an average of 34,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|upnw}}'''
:The longest Metra route, the Union Pacific Northwest Line is a {{convert|63.2|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to {{stl|Metra|Harvard}}, Illinois, with most trains ending in {{stl|Metra|Crystal Lake}}. During weekdays except for holidays, service also includes a {{convert|7.59|mi|km|adj=on}} branch line from {{stl|Metra|Pingree Road}} to {{stl|Metra|McHenry}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/metra_state_of_the_system_2016_reduced.pdf |title=Metra State of the System 2016 |website=Metrarail.com |access-date=2017-08-25 |archive-date=2020-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030162803/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/metra_state_of_the_system_2016_reduced.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The line had an average of 40,100 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|upw}}'''
:The Union Pacific West Line is a {{convert|43.6|mi|km|adj=on}} route running from Ogilvie Transportation Center to {{stl|Metra|Elburn}}, Illinois. The line had an average of 27,900 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
==== Proposed routes ====
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 downtown. {{As of|2020}}, only the SouthEast Service is still being considered.<ref name="2019 METRA CBA">{{cite web|author=AECOM Staff|date=January 16, 2019|title=Systemwide Cost Benefit Analysis of Major Capital Improvements|publisher=Metra|access-date=January 20, 2020|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/cba_final_report_20190116.pdf|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507150847/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/cba_final_report_20190116.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pyke|first=Marni|title=Do fast buses on I-90 mean falling STAR line?|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120118/news/701189697/|access-date=December 22, 2012|newspaper=Daily Herald|date=January 18, 2012|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423184754/http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120118/news/701189697|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2023, the [[Illinois Department of Transportation]] selected Metra as the agency to run [[Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail|restored rail service]] to [[Rockford, Illinois|Rockford]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freishtat |first1=Sarah |title=Metra was chosen to operate service to Rockford. That could help the commuter rail as it struggles to bring back riders |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/transportation/ct-biz-metra-rockford-ridership-funding-20230718-liwj3ii3w5hihnapc25qbdyknm-story.html |access-date=19 July 2023 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719015910/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/transportation/ct-biz-metra-rockford-ridership-funding-20230718-liwj3ii3w5hihnapc25qbdyknm-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingalls |first=William |date=July 6, 2023 |title=Metra chosen as passenger rail service provider from Rockford/Belvidere to Chicago |url=https://www.wrex.com/news/metra-chosen-as-passenger-rail-service-provider-from-rockford-belvidere-to-chicago/article_afe56eb2-1bac-11ee-8555-63a7e526a51b.html |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=wrex.com |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162349/https://www.wrex.com/news/metra-chosen-as-passenger-rail-service-provider-from-rockford-belvidere-to-chicago/article_afe56eb2-1bac-11ee-8555-63a7e526a51b.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Pre-Metra routes ====
Several commuter lines were discontinued before Metra was established. The [[Illinois Central West 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 ===
Ridership has been slowly declining on all but one line since 2014, as seen below. The figures post-2020 have been drastically affected by the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Though monthly reports from 2022 show heavy improvement over 2021 figures, they are still dramatically below pre-pandemic levels.<ref>{{cite web|title=April 2022 Ridership Trends Memo|url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/April%202022%20Ridership%20Trends%20Memo%20v3.2.pdf|website=Metra|access-date=9 June 2022|date=18 May 2022|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609200701/https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/April%202022%20Ridership%20Trends%20Memo%20v3.2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Annual ridership ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Annual ridership by line
|-
! colspan=2| Line !! 2014 !! 2015 !! 2016 !! 2017 !! 2018<ref name="2018report">{{cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS ANNUAL REPORT 2018|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/ridership/2018_annual_ridership_report.pdf|access-date=12 May 2019|publisher=Metra|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512014120/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/ridership/2018_annual_ridership_report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>!! 2019<ref name="2019report">{{cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS ANNUAL REPORT 2019|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/annual_report_2019_standalone.pdf|access-date=27 February 2021|publisher=Metra}}</ref>
!2020<ref name="2020report">{{Cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS ANNUAL REPORT 2020|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/2020_annual_ridership_report_v5.pdf|access-date=2021-04-04|website=Metra|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423173302/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/2020_annual_ridership_report_v5.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
!2021<ref name="2021report">{{cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT|url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/2021%20Annual%20Ridership%20Report%20v6.1.pdf|website=Metra|access-date=9 June 2022|date=March 2022|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609195155/https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/2021%20Annual%20Ridership%20Report%20v6.1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
!2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=RTAMS |title=Monthly Ridership By Line |url=https://rtams.org/dataset/metra-ridership/resource/4524acc4-f5d0-48b2-bd52-cd8b0c4af6d1#{query:{filters<nowiki>:[{type:!term,field:!YEAR,term:!2022}]}}</nowiki>}}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}"| || 16,658,357 || 16,400,290 || 16,325,320 || 16,235,817 || 15,822,652 || 15,468,014
||3,659,617
|2,483,782
|4,508,149
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || 729,139 || 723,803 || 718,015 || 727,202 || 728,467 || 734,098
||177,838
| 82,197
|182,890
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}"| || 9,415,916 || 9,054,649 || 8,642,365 || 8,149,977 || 7,716,121 || 7,282,993 ||2,019,403
|1,836,723
|3,132,516
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}"| || 7,237,913 || 7,094,564 || 6,934,684 || 6,818,808 || 6,610,059 || 6,549,143
||1,556,783
| 1,094,292
|1,905,473
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}"| || 6,946,268 || 6,771,637 || 6,621,104 || 6,349,963 || 6,143,996 || 5,904,808
||1,480,973
| 1,059,742
|1,724,436
|-
| [[North Central Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}"| || 1,817,335 || 1,758,118 || 1,730,494 || 1,684,357 || 1,640,984 || 1,589,905
||340,682
| 146,668
|324,363
|-
| [[Rock Island District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}"| || 8,544,753 || 8,305,273 || 8,112,784 || 7,923,588 || 7,578,330 || 7,338,133
||1,952,547
|1,669,273
|2,604,889
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}"| || 2,659,040 || 2,604,292 || 2,538,273 || 2,457,418 || 2,420,921 || 2,356,767
||574,815
|305,167
|556,591
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}"| || 9,328,441 || 9,248,834 || 9,220,477 || 9,030,120 || 8,689,776 || 8,552,117 ||2,300,363
|1,954,284
|3,060,621
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}"| || 11,609,358 || 11,301,755 || 11,183,739 || 10,910,882 || 10,597,680 || 10,384,356 ||2,602,403
|1,962,084
|3,281,427
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}"| || 8,423,188 || 8,367,264 || 8,375,067 || 8,332,483 || 8,139,344 || 7,883,185 ||1,945,886
|1,486,536
|2,408,426
|-
! colspan=2| Total !! 83,369,706 !! 81,630,476 !! 80,402,319 !! 78,620,612 !! 76,088,329 !! 74,043,156
!18,611,311 !! 14,080,749
!23,726,400
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" | Line !! 2023<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=METRA ANNUAL RIDERSHIP REPORT 2023 |url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/January%202024%20Ridership%20Trends%20and%202023%20Annual%20Ridership%20Memo%20Final.pdf |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=Metra }}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}" | || 6,171,000
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || 253,000
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}" | || 3,888,000
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}" | || 2,846,000
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}" | || 2,307,000
|-
| [[North Central Service]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}" | || 536,000
|-
| [[Rock Island District]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}" | || 3,066,000
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}" | || 845,000
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}" | || 4,148,000
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}" | || 4,633,000
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}" | || 3,293,000
|-
! colspan="2" | Total !! 31,986,000
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Annual ridership by year
|-
! Year !! Ridership !! class="unsortable" |
|-
| 2008 || 86,808,870 || <ref name="2008rideserve" />
|-
| 2010 || 81,369,000 || <ref name="2010rideserve" />
|-
| 2012 || 81,270,253 ||<ref name="2011rideserve" />
|-
| 2014 || 83,369,706 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2015 || 81,630,476 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2016 || 80,402,319 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2017 || 78,620,612 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2018|| 76,088,329 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2019|| 74,043,516 || <ref name="2019report" />
|-
| 2020|| 18,611,311 || <ref name="2020report" />
|-
|2021
|14,080,749
|<ref name="2021report" />
|-
|2022
|23,726,400
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=RTAMS |title=Metra Ridership |url=https://rtams.org/dataset/metra-ridership |access-date=2023-07-06 |archive-date=2023-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622152253/https://rtams.org/dataset/metra-ridership |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2023
|31,986,000
|<ref name=":2" />
|}
==== Weekday ridership ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Average weekday ridership by line
|-
! colspan=2| Line !! 2008<ref name=2008rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019122135/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=19 October 2009}}</ref>!! July 2008–<br />June 2009<ref name=2009rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102073002/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=2 January 2010}}</ref> !! 2010<ref name=2010rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329212712/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=29 March 2012}}</ref> !! July 2011–<br />June 2012<ref name=2011rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028170301/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=28 October 2013}}</ref> !! July 2015–<br />June 2016<ref name=2016rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data
|url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320061340/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data|publisher=Metra |archive-date=20 March 2017}}</ref> !! July 2016–<br />June 2017<ref name=2017rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data |publisher=Metra |access-date=12 May 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331203308/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}"| || 63,400 || 63,500 || 64,600 || 67,400 || 65,300 || 63,900
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || 2,800 || 2,800 || 2,600 || 2,600 || 2,400 || 2,400
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}"| || 42,800 || 41,200 || 36,200 || 36,400 || 32,800 || 31,600
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}"| || 26,100 || 26,000 || 23,500 || 23,100 || 22,900 || 22,800
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}"| || 22,900 || 22,600 || 22,300 || 22,800 || 22,300 || 22,100
|-
| [[North Central Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}"| || 5,700 || 5,800 || 5,400 || 5,800 || 5,800 || 5,800
|-
| [[Rock Island District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}"| || 35,600 || 33,900 || 30,500 || 30,700 || 29,800 || 28,700
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}"| || 10,200 || 9,900 || 9,500 || 9,700 || 9,900 || 9,600
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}"| || 41,000 || 42,000 || 36,400 || 35,400 || 35,500 || 34,700
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}"| || 43,500 || 43,500 || 40,900 || 41,000 || 40,700 || 39,600
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}"| || 30,900 || 30,800 || 29,400 || 30,300 || 27,200 || 26,900
|-
! colspan=2| Total !! 325,000 !! 322,100 !! 301,200 !! 305,200 !! 294,600 !! 288,100
|}
==== Weekend ridership ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Average weekend ridership by line
|-
! colspan=2| Line !! July 2011–<br />June 2012<ref name=2011rideserveb>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/Passgr%20Ops%20v4%2020131014.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227141626/http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/Passgr%20Ops%20v4%2020131014.pdf|publisher=Metra |archive-date=27 December 2013}}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}"| || 24,600
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || {{n/a}}
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}"| || 14,300
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}"| || 9,500
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}"| || 9,600
|-
| [[North Central Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}"| || {{n/a}}
|-
| [[Rock Island District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}"| || 6,800
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}"| || 400
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}"| || 17,300
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}"| || 19,500
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}"| || 14,100
|-
! colspan=2| Total !! 116,100
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Average weekend ridership
|-
! Period !! Avg. weekend ridership
|-
|data-sort-value="2008" |2008<ref name=2008rideserve /> ||120,700
|-
|data-sort-value="2008 07" |July 2008–<br />June 2009<ref name=2009rideserve /> || 124,600
|-
|data-sort-value="2010" |2010<ref name=2010rideserve /> || 121,800
|-
|data-sort-value="2011 07" |July 2011–<br />June 2012<ref name=2011rideserve /> || 116,100
|-
|data-sort-value="2015 07" |July 2015–<br />June 2016<ref name=2016rideserve /> || 108,300
|-
|data-sort-value="2016 07" |July 2016–<br />June 2017<ref name=2017rideserve /> || 105,900
|}
=== Connections ===
[[Transportation in Chicago]] consists of a public transportation infrastructure allowing for [[Intermodal passenger transport|intermodal connections]] to local, regional, national and international transportation services. [[Parking lot]]s are available adjacent to most suburban Metra stations for passengers connecting with their train by [[Automobile|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.<ref name=Metra-Parking>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/parking.html |title= Parking Map |date= February 23, 2011 |work= Riding Metra |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706132429/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/parking.html |archive-date= July 6, 2011 }}</ref> Mass transit [[Chicago Transit Authority|CTA]] and suburban [[Pace (transit)|Pace]] buses connect with many Metra stations downtown and in the suburbs. Monthly pass holders are offered link-up options with these services.<ref name=Metra-Tickets>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html |title= Tickets |date= April 27, 2011 |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |archive-date= June 28, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160628040330/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> In addition, many [[intercity bus]] lines connect with passengers outside of Union Station.<ref name=ExploreChicago-Trans>{{cite web |url= http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/travel_tools/transportation.html |title= Transportation |work= Travel Tools |publisher= City of Chicago |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110522100428/http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/travel_tools/transportation.html |archive-date= May 22, 2011 }}</ref>
The [[Chicago "L"]] also has transfers with Metra at some Chicago stations. Most 'L' lines traverse [[The Loop (CTA)|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 (CTA)|Blue Line]] at [[Irving Park station (CTA Blue Line)|Irving Park]] and [[Jefferson Park Transit Center]]; and from the [[Union Pacific West Line]] to the [[Green Line (CTA)|Green Line]] at Oak Park.<ref name=Garfield-JeffersonPark>{{cite web |url= http://www.chicago-l.org/stations/jefferson_pk.html |title= Jefferson Park |work= Northern Illinois History |author= Garfield, Graham |access-date= May 14, 2011 |archive-date= April 26, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210426061236/https://www.chicago-l.org/stations/jefferson_pk.html |url-status= live }}</ref> '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.<ref name=Metra-UnionStation>{{cite web|url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/downtown_chicagostations/chicago_union_station.html |title=Chicago Union Station |date=February 23, 2011 |publisher=Metra |access-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614012328/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/downtown_chicagostations/chicago_union_station.html |archive-date=June 14, 2011 }}</ref> In addition to [[Illinois Service]] and [[Hiawatha Service]], Amtrak trains run nationwide including service to [[Coastal states|states spanning both coastlines]].<ref name=Amtrak-UnionStation>{{cite web |url= http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=CHI |title= Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) |publisher= Amtrak |access-date= May 14, 2011 |archive-date= April 27, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210427203553/http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am%2Fam2Station%2FStation_Page&code=CHI |url-status= live }}</ref> Passengers connecting from Ogilvie Transportation Center can access Union Station through its north platforms on the opposite side of [[Madison Street (Chicago)|Madison Street]],<ref name=Metra-UnionStation /> 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, Indiana|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 station (Metra)|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 ===
In regards to the [[Positive train control|PTC mandate]] that passed [[United States Congress|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 aligned with the stance taken by much of the railroad industry.<ref name="AAR PTC Stance">{{cite web|title=Positive Train Control|url=https://www.aar.org/policy/positive-train-control|website=Association of American Railroads|access-date=2015-05-03|archive-date=2018-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308013405/https://www.aar.org/policy/positive-train-control|url-status=live}}</ref> This is due to a variety of 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 {{convert|1100|mi|km}} of track in the Chicago region to be over $200 million.<ref name="Metra PTC Delay">{{cite web|last1=Wronksi|first1=Richard|title=Metra argues for delay of 'fail-safe' rail system|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-04-09/news/ct-met-metra-collision-prevention-20130409_1_metra-rock-island-ptc-safety-system|website=Chicago Tribune|date=9 April 2013|access-date=2015-05-03|archive-date=2015-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519165246/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-04-09/news/ct-met-metra-collision-prevention-20130409_1_metra-rock-island-ptc-safety-system|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 needed 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. The latter derailment killed two passengers and injured 117.<ref name="Metra PTC Delay" /> 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.<ref name="Metra $80million PTC contract">{{cite web|last1=Wronski|first1=Richard|title=Metra to spend $80 million to help launch safety system|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-metra-contracts-met-20150422-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=22 April 2015|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424092621/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-metra-contracts-met-20150422-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Parsons 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 (California)|Metrolink]] to install their system.
By the year 2020, Metra completed installation of the Positive Train Control. This came at a capital cost of $400 million and an annual operating cost of $20 million. Metra's PTC system works with the trains of 12 other railroad companies.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Positive Train Control (PTC) {{!}} Metra|url=https://metra.com/positive-train-control-ptc|access-date=2021-11-28|website=metra.com|archive-date=2021-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128214200/https://metra.com/positive-train-control-ptc|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Fare system and ticketing ==
[[File:Metra bilevel entrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance to a Metra [[bilevel rail car]]]]
Fare is determined by the distance traveled by a passenger. Each station along every route has generally been placed in a specific zone based on its distance from its respective downtown station. Multiple stations can be placed in the same zone even though they are on the same line.
Historically, the downtown terminals and stations in the vicinity of downtown were classified as zone 'A' and each additional zone represented an added {{Convert|5|mi|km}} from the downtown terminus.<ref name=Metra-Tickets /> There were originally twelve fare zones: zones A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and M (zone L would not have any stations). Zones K and M were merged into zone J on July 15, 2018, reducing the number of zones to ten.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fare zone pilot programs begin July 15 |url=https://metra.com/fare-zone-pilot-programs-begin-july-15 |website=Metra |access-date=2 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Fare Structure Study |url=https://metra.com/fare-structure-study |website=Metra |access-date=2 February 2024}}</ref>
On February 1, 2024, Metra reduced the number of fare zones from 10 to 4 and labeled each of the four zones by number instead of letter. This was proposed in an effort to simplify its fare structure. In addition, trips not entering or exiting the downtown area (zone 1) are subjected to a flat $3.75 fee.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Neveau |first1=James |title=Metra is changing its pricing and fares. Here's how much tickets will now cost |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/metra-new-ticket-prices-fares/3277248/ |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=NBC Chicago |date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222014304/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/metra-new-ticket-prices-fares/3277248/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Studenkov |first1=Igor |title=Metra approves 2024 budget, creating new fare structure - Streetsblog Chicago |url=https://chi.streetsblog.org/2023/11/13/metra-approves-2024-budget-creating-new-fare-structure |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=chi.streetsblog.org |date=13 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222014304/https://chi.streetsblog.org/2023/11/13/metra-approves-2024-budget-creating-new-fare-structure |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Metra's 2024 Fare Structure Modifications {{!}} Metra |url=http://metra.com/2024FarePlan |website=metra.com |access-date=22 December 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222014550/https://metra.com/2024FarePlan |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Tickets ===
Several ticketing options exist for passengers. Riders may choose to purchase one-way tickets, day passes, day pass five-packs, weekend passes, or monthly passes.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web | title = Tickets | publisher = Metra | url = http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html | date = May 21, 2011 | access-date = 4 June 2011 | archive-date = 28 June 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160628040330/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
* A '''one-way ticket''' is used for one-way travel between two stations. One-way tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines at stations, from the [[Ventra]] app, or on the train from a conductor. Conductors will charge an extra $5 if a ticket machine was available at the passenger's departing station.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3">{{cite web |date=1 February 2024 |title=Metra's 2024 Fare changes|url=https://metra.com/2024FarePlan |access-date=1 February 2024 |publisher=Metra }}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
* A '''day pass''' provides unlimited rides on one calendar day for all stations in between two zones for twice the cost of a one-way ticket between those two zones. Day passes can be purchased in stations or in the Ventra app but are not for sale on board trains.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* A '''day pass five-pack''' provides five day passes between two zones determined at the time of purchase. Day pass five-packs can be shared between passengers and expire 90 days after the date of purchase. Day pass five-packs can only be purchased with the Ventra app.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* A '''Saturday or Sunday day pass''' provides unlimited travel between any and all zones for one passenger on a Saturday, Sunday, or certain holidays. Weekend day passes can be purchased in stations, on board trains (with no surcharge), or with the Ventra app. As of 2024, Saturday or Sunday weekend passes cost $7.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* A '''weekend pass''' (Ventra app only) provides unlimited travel between any and all zones for one passenger on a Saturday and Sunday. In the past, weekend passes were extended to include holidays adjacent to the weekend, but this practice seems to have ended.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} Weekend passes are only available within the Ventra app. As of 2024, weekend passes cost $10.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* 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 vending machines, or from the Ventra app. Starting in July 2022, PlusBus and Link-Up have been combined to form the new Regional Connect Pass. The Regional Connect Pass is available for $30 to monthly pass holders and allows for unlimited travel on CTA buses and the 'L', as well as Pace buses. The Regional Connect Pass is only available for monthly passes purchased in the Ventra app.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
=== Reduced fare programs ===
Metra allows some travelers to purchase reduced fare tickets or even ride for free. These reduced fare and free ride programs are administered by Metra and the [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|RTA]]. Some pre-college [[student]]s, [[youth]], [[senior citizen]]s, members of the [[United States Armed Forces]] and persons with [[Disability|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.<ref name=Metra-Tickets /> Cook County launched The Fair Transit pilot on January 4, 2021, scheduled to initially last for three years. Under the pilot, all riders on the Metra Electric and Rock Island lines will pay Metra's reduced fare rates.
On the [[Union Pacific North Line]], passengers headed to an event at {{stl|Metra|Ravinia Park}} may ride to the event for free after showing their Ravinia Festival e-ticket to the conductor.
== Safety and security ==
[[File:Metra Trains at Waukeegan.jpg|thumb|right|Metra F40PH locomotives at the [[Waukegan (Metra)|Waukegan Station]]]]
[[File:Aurora (Metra)-6.JPG|thumb|A Nippon Sharyo gallery car, built in the early 2000s]]
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,<ref name=NTS-Stats>{{Cite report |title=National Transportation Statistics. Table 2-1: Transportation Fatalities by Mode |url=http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_02_01.html |author=U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics |year=2010 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524184151/http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_02_01.html |archive-date=May 24, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> compromises to Metra's safety and security can occur through pedestrian accidents, [[suicide]] attempts, vehicle collisions, [[derailment]], [[terrorism]] and other [[Train wreck|incidents]]. Failing to maintain safety and security can result in equipment and infrastructure damage, extensive service disruptions, traumatic injuries and [[death|loss of life]]. Therefore, Metra and other agencies consider safety a top priority and dedicate a significant amount of resources to combat these dangers.<ref name=Metra-SchoolSafety>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/school_safety.html |title= School Safety |date= May 14, 2011 |work= Rail Safety & Security |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120410205026/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/school_safety.html |archive-date= April 10, 2012 }}</ref>
Starting in the 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 lines 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130612/news/706129747/|title=Metra ups police presence on trains|first=Marni|last=Pyke|date=12 June 2013|work=dailyherald.com|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=8 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108032644/https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130612/news/706129747/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Law enforcement ===
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 officer]]s and is responsible for the safety of all routes and stations.<ref name=Metra-Security>{{cite web|url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/security.html |title=Security |date=February 23, 2011 |work=Rail Safety & Security |publisher=Metra |access-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502133826/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/security.html |archive-date=May 2, 2011 }}</ref> In an effort to help coordinate [[emergency preparedness]] and [[incident management]], all Metra police officers are certified in the [[National Incident Management System]].<ref name=Metra-Emergency>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/emergency_preparedness_public_awareness.html |title= Emergency Preparedness/Public Awareness |date= February 24, 2011 |work= Rail Safety & Security |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110418201934/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/emergency_preparedness_public_awareness.html |archive-date= April 18, 2011 }}</ref> In addition, Metra police works with the [[Chicago Police Department]] as a member of the [[Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy]].<ref name=Metra-Security /> Thomas A. Cook was the only Metra police officer that has been killed in the line of duty thus far.<ref name=OfficerDownMemorial>{{cite web|url=http://www.odmp.org/officer/18523-police-officer-thomas-alan-cook|title=Police Officer Thomas Alan Cook|work=odmp.org|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121021958/https://www.odmp.org/officer/18523-police-officer-thomas-alan-cook|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Rail safety ===
The focus on rail safety by Metra comes from many fronts beyond operations including emergency preparedness and public awareness.<ref name=Metra-Emergency /> The setup of [[railway platform]]s, use of [[grade crossing signals]] and [[crossing sequence (railways)|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 posters on monthly passes and at stations.<ref name=Metra-SchoolSafety />
Metra has been honored with several [[E. H. Harriman Award]]s 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nscorp.com/nscorp/application;JSESSIONID_nscorp=E0D2wDZLZ8t844Gn6WZDlSVqmCEM2UEJtEicpNZ1tBcpy4wFlISk!-1862265230?origin=content.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=NS+News&contentId=english/nscorp/news/whats_new/whats_new/news051606.html |title=Railroads Set Another Employee Safety Record in 2005 |author=Association of American Railroads (reprinted by Norfolk Southern Railway) |date=May 16, 2006 |access-date=May 24, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213232521/http://www.nscorp.com/nscorp/application%3BJSESSIONID_nscorp%3DE0D2wDZLZ8t844Gn6WZDlSVqmCEM2UEJtEicpNZ1tBcpy4wFlISk%21-1862265230?origin=content.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=NS%2BNews&contentId=english%2Fnscorp%2Fnews%2Fwhats_new%2Fwhats_new%2Fnews051606.html |archive-date=February 13, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Metra expects to implement [[positive train control]] on its entire system in 2019, four years after the federally mandated 2015 deadline.<ref name="npr_2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2015/06/03/411464396/most-commuter-rails-wont-meet-deadline-for-mandated-safety-systems|title=Most Commuter Rails Won't Meet Deadline For Mandated Safety Systems|work=npr.org|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=25 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925215135/https://www.npr.org/2015/06/03/411464396/most-commuter-rails-wont-meet-deadline-for-mandated-safety-systems|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Incidents ===
[[File:MetraFatalities20012010.png|thumb|'''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).<ref name=FRA-OSA />]]
There were 156 non-employee fatalities involving Metra equipment and Metra owned track between 2001 and 2010.<ref name=FRA-OSA>{{cite web |url= http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/ |title= FRA Office of Safety Analysis Web Site |date= May 20, 2011 |work= Casualties By State, Railroad or Type |publisher= [[Federal Railroad Administration]], Office of Safety Analysis |access-date= May 20, 2011 |archive-date= September 4, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110904032330/http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/ |url-status= live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=FRA-OSA />
The worst commuter rail disaster in Illinois occurred before 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.<ref name=ChiPubLib-1972Crash>{{cite web|url=http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/disasters/ilcentral_crash.html |title=1972, October 30: Illinois Central Commuter Train Crash|publisher=Chicago Public Library|access-date=2009-07-07 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001031/http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/disasters/ilcentral_crash.html |archive-date = 2007-09-27}}</ref> Two decades later, Metra experienced its first rail disaster, the [[1995 Fox River Grove bus–train collision]].<ref name=NTSB-FoxRiverGrove>{{Cite report |title= HIGHWAY/RAILROAD ACCIDENT REPORT |url= https://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/1996/har9602.pdf |year= 1996 |publisher= [[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date= May 20, 2011 |docket= PB96-916202 |archive-date= December 4, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101204142051/http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/1996/HAR9602.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=NTSB-FoxRiverGrove /> 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 {{convert|68|mph|kph}} when they should have been going {{convert|10|mph|kph}}.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wronski|first1=Richard|title=Agreement reached in 2003 Metra derailment lawsuit|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-09-19/news/ct-met-metra-lawsuit-settlement-20120919_1_metra-train-michael-gillis-rock-island-line-train|access-date=16 December 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|date=September 19, 2012|archive-date=2014-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216083339/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-09-19/news/ct-met-metra-lawsuit-settlement-20120919_1_metra-train-michael-gillis-rock-island-line-train|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wronski|first1=Richard|last2=Quintanilla|first2=Ray|title=Human error, Metra blamed in 2005 crash|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-12-22/news/0612220083_1_human-error-metra-train|access-date=3 February 2015|work=Chicago Tribune|date=December 22, 2006|archive-date=2015-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204033830/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-12-22/news/0612220083_1_human-error-metra-train|url-status=live}}</ref>
On May 11, 2022, Metra train #1242 collided with a box truck at {{stl|Metra|Clarendon Hills}} on the Metra [[BNSF Line]], resulting in four injuries, and one death. The passenger who was killed, a 72-year-old woman from Downers Grove, was ejected from a window of the train during the collision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Passenger Was Ejected Out of Train Window in Fatal Clarendon Hills Crash: Officials |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/passenger-was-ejected-out-of-train-window-in-fatal-clarendon-hills-crash-officials/2831377/ |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516034030/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/passenger-was-ejected-out-of-train-window-in-fatal-clarendon-hills-crash-officials/2831377/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This incident, as of May 2022, is the second incident in Metra's history that resulted in a passenger fatality.
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 [[lawsuit]]s and [[Settlement (litigation)|settlements]] stemming from safety failures.<ref name=Clifford-Pine>{{cite web|url=http://www.cliffordlaw.com/news/firm-news/archive/clifford-settles-violinist-lawsuit-against-metra-for-35-million|title=Clifford Settles Violinist Lawsuit Against METRA for $35 Million|date=March 11, 2002|access-date=February 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104233633/http://cliffordlaw.com/news/firm-news/archive/clifford-settles-violinist-lawsuit-against-metra-for-35-million|archive-date=January 4, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=RBL-CyclistSuit>{{cite news |title=Suit filed against railroads in cyclist's death: Metra, BNSF negligence cited as the cause |author=Uphues, Bob |url=http://www.rblandmark.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=747&TM=59770.85 |newspaper=Riverside Brookfield Landmark |date=September 28, 2005 |access-date=May 20, 2011 |archive-date=March 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315121632/http://www.rblandmark.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=747&TM=59770.85 |url-status=dead }}</ref> These failures have also resulted in updated safety policies and adjustments of equipment and warning devices.<ref name=NTSB-FoxRiverGrove />
== Rolling stock ==
=== Current locomotives ===
{{Multiple issues|section=yes|
{{Expand section|1=Current locomotives|section=1|date=September 2023|small=no|talksection=}}
{{Update section|date=September 2023}}}}
All of Metra's locomotives are [[diesel-electric locomotive]]s. The bulk of its locomotive fleet consists of F40PH locomotives. The Electric District uses [[electric multiple unit]]s.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Builder
! Model
! Road Numbers
! Year Built
! Routes Assigned
! Notes
! Image
|-
| rowspan="9" | [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| [[EMD SW1|SW1]]
| 2
| 1946
| rowspan="4" | Switch service, work trains
| Originally owned by the [[Illinois Central Railroad]], later sold to the [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island Railroad]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=MILW261s3|date=January 13, 2005|title=METRA Switch Engines|url=https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,850146|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214142400/https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,850146|archive-date=February 14, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2021|website=Trainorders.com|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[EMD SW1200|SW1200]]
| 3
| 1954
| Originally [[Milwaukee Road]]
| [[File:Metra Yard Locomotive Chicago (5994607072).jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD SW1500|SW1500]]
| 4–6, 8–9
| 1967–68, 1971–72
| Originally [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]]
| [[File:Metra4sw1500.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD GP22ECO|GP23ECO]]
| 10–11
| 1969, 1966
| Two GP23ECOs from [[Progress Rail]].<ref>Trains Locomotive 2019</ref> Both built as [[EMD GP40|GP40s]].
|
|-
| [[EMD F59PH|F59PHI]]
| 73–93
| 1998
| Milwaukee District, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor, Union Pacific Lines
| Locomotive 90 painted in [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago & North Western]] heritage livery.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Guss|first=Chris|date=August 18, 2020|title=Metra unveils C&NW heritage locomotive|url=https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/08/18-metra-unveils-cnw-heritage-locomotive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225103353/https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/08/18-metra-unveils-cnw-heritage-locomotive|archive-date=February 25, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2021|website=Trains|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />Ex-''[[Amtrak Cascades]]'' and ''[[Pacific Surfliner]]'' 450-470, entering service in October 2018.
| [[File:Metra 91 at Union Station, March 2019.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD F59PH|F59PH]]
| 94–99<ref>{{cite journal | title=Metra adds muscle to its fleet | author=Beecher, Marshall | journal=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] | date=December 2015 | volume=75 | issue=12 | pages=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=On The Bi-Level – November 2015|url=http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/Bi_Level/OTBLNov2015w.pdf|website=Metrarail.com|publisher=Metra|access-date=12 November 2015|ref=OTBLnov15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122202946/http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/Bi_Level/OTBLNov2015w.pdf|archive-date=22 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 1988
| Milwaukee District, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor
| 97–99 ex-[[Exo (public transit)|AMT]]. Brought into service in 2015.
|
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-3]]
| 100–149, 173–184, 215–217
| 1977, 1979–81, 1983, 1988–89
| All Diesel Routes
| 100-149 rebuilt to -3 specifications between 2008 and 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metrarr.com/matmgmt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312171955/http://www.metrarr.com/matmgmt|url-status=dead|title=Doing Business with Metra|archive-date=12 March 2007|access-date=10 March 2023}}</ref> 100 repainted into RTA wrap from September 14, 2017-mid 2018.<br />104 given a paint scheme honoring the City of Chicago, revealed on May 4, 2022.<br />174-184 rebuilt to -3 specifications between 2016 and 2017. 173 rebuilt to -3 specifications in 2018 to replace the wrecked F40PHM-2 205.<br />215-216 sold to Metra in 2009 by the [[Tennessee Central Railway Museum|TCRM]] and refurbished by Progress Rail before service. 215 suffered a major fire on December 3, 2018, and has not returned to service since.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20181205/metra-still-looking-for-cause-of-engine-fire-that-evacuated-train|title = Metra still looking for cause of engine fire that evacuated train|date = 5 December 2018|access-date = 15 March 2019|archive-date = 4 May 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200504215159/https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20181205/metra-still-looking-for-cause-of-engine-fire-that-evacuated-train|url-status = live}}</ref><br />
| [[File:2 Metra Rebuilds (45117180182).jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-2]]
| 150-151, 154, 156-159, 161-167
| 1983
| Union Pacific Lines
| Retirement in progress, to be replaced by SD70MACHs
| [[File:Commuter Train (6609894319).jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PHM-3]]
| 185–204, 206–214
| 1991–1992
| BNSF, Rock Island, SouthWest Service
| Rebuilt to -3 specifications from F40PHM-2 between 2016 and 2020. When built as F40PHM-2s, they were the last F40PH series locomotives built by EMD. 194 was the first F40PHM-2 to be rebuilt and repainted.<br />210 suffered a fire on June 13, 2019. It returned to service in December, 2020. Locomotive 211 painted in Chicago Burlington & Quincy scheme.
| [[File:Metra train at Naperville Illinois locomotive 194.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[MotivePower|MPI]]
| [[MPI MPXpress|MP36PH-3C]]
| 401–427
| 2003–2004
| Rock Island, Milwaukee District, North Central Service
| Converted from [[MPI MPXpress|MP36PH-3S]] beginning in 2015 with 417.
Locomotive 402 painted into State of Illinois livery.
Locomotive 405 painted into [[Milwaukee Road]] [[Heritage unit|Heritage scheme]], with Richard F. Oppenheim naming.
Locomotive 425 painted into [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island]] Heritage scheme, with Don Orseno naming.
| [[File:METX 413.jpg|150px]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| [[EMD SD70 series|SD70MACH]]
| 500-523
| 1992–2004 (as originally built)
| Milwaukee District, North Central Service
| Used SD70MAC locomotives converted for Metra service. 24 to be/being rebuilt as of 3/25/24, (with options for more), replacing F40PH-2 (150-172) and some F40PH-3 (100–149 and 215-216, except locomotive 104's City of Chicago paint scheme).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-locomotive-purchase |title=Metra Board approves locomotive purchase {{!}} Metra |website=metrarail.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222151850/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-locomotive-purchase |archive-date=2019-02-22}}</ref> The first locomotive was delivered in October 2022<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/metra/status/1579888330874896384/photo/4 |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> and painted in an RTA heritage scheme. New locomotives will be delivered approximately once per month throughout 2022 and 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/metra/status/1579888397669179392 |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Twitter |language=en |title=Archived copy |archive-date=2022-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214164500/https://twitter.com/metra/status/1579888397669179392 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first locomotives entered service in late 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-02 |title=Metra SD70MACHs begin revenue service |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/metra-sd70machs-begin-revenue-service/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Trains |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115141252/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/metra-sd70machs-begin-revenue-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|
|-
| [[EMD F40C|F40C]]
| 611, 614
| 1974
| Milwaukee District
| 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, they were returned to service in April 2009 and remained in service until mid-2012. 611 and 614 remain in the Western Avenue yard.
| [[File:METX 611 at Canal Street (4925826994).jpg|150px]]
|}
==== Retired locomotives ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Builder
! Model
! Road Numbers
! Year<br />Built
! Routes Assigned
! Notes
|-
| rowspan="8" | [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| [[EMD F7|F7]]
| 305, 308
| 1949
| All Diesel Routes
| Donated to the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]. 305 has been restored as [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]] 411, while 308 is still painted in Metra colors.
|-
| [[EMD E8|E8]]
| 507–510, 512–522
| 1950–53
| rowspan="2" | CNW Routes
| 508, 516, and 518 sold to [[Iowa Pacific Holdings|IPH]].
515 is now owned by the [[Illinois Railway Museum]] as of December 2021.
522 is owned by [https://www.lwvry.org/ {{Tooltip|LWV|Lorain & West Virginia Railway}}] and was renumbered 101.
519 is privately owned, numbered [https://monadrailwayequipment.com/ {{Tooltip|MREX|Monad Railway Equipment Company}}] 97. Currently located at the [[Arizona Railway Museum]] in [[Chandler, Arizona]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.azrymuseum.org/roster/roster.html|title=ARM Equipment Roster|website=www.azrymuseum.org|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328110045/http://azrymuseum.org/roster/roster.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ARM Roster: C&NW EMD E8 No. 5022A |url=https://www.azrymuseum.org/roster/48/48.htm |website=www.azrymuseum.org |access-date=28 December 2023 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230745/https://www.azrymuseum.org/roster/48/48.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[EMD E9|E9]]
| 511
| 1955
| Owned by [[Union Pacific Railroad|UP]] and cosmetically restored to original number of UP 949.
|-
| [[EMD F40C|F40C]]
| 600–610, 612–613
| 1974
| Milwaukee District
| All scrapped.
|-
| [[EMD SW1500|SW1500]]
| 7
| 1968
| rowspan="2" | Switch service, work trains
| Sold to [[National Railway Equipment|NRE]] in [[Dixmoor, Illinois]] in 2015 due to an internal engine failure, and was scrapped due to site's closure in 2020.
|-
| [[EMD SW1|SW1]]
| 1
| 1938
| Originally owned by the Illinois Central Railroad, later sold to the Rock Island Railroad. #1 was modified with MU Car couplers and was the oldest operating locomotive in the U.S. that is not preserved. It was used to transfer cars from [[Metra Electric District|Metra Electric]] at [[Blue Island–Vermont Street station|Blue Island]] to the Blue Island wheelhouse to maintain a proper wheel profile on Metra Electric MU cars. Retired & auctioned off in June 2021 due to an internal engine failure.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SWITCH LOCOMOTIVE - govdeals.com|url=https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=309&acctid=10615|access-date=2021-07-10|website=www.govdeals.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607035813/https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=309&acctid=10615|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[EMD F40PHM-2|F40PHM-2]]
| 205
| 1992
| BNSF, RI, Southwest Service
| Number 205 was wrecked in a CSX Derailment on March 8, 2018, while en route for refurbishment.<ref>{{cite web |title=In-transit Metra locomotive damaged in derailment {{!}} Trains Magazine |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/13-in-transit-metra-locomotive-damaged-in-derailment/ |website=Trains |date=19 March 2018 |access-date=25 March 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325055900/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/13-in-transit-metra-locomotive-damaged-in-derailment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was scrapped on site.
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-2]]
| 152-153, 155, 160, 168–172
| 1983
| Union Pacific Lines
| Stored in Antioch Coach Yard awaiting final deposition. All being scrapped, used for parts.
|}
=== Coaches ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Numbers
! Type
! Heritage
! Year Built
!Quantity
! Builder
! Disposition
|-
| 700–787<br />790–795
| Coach<br />Coach/Cab
| [[Chicago Burlington and Quincy|Burlington Route]]
| 1950–65<br />1965
|94
| rowspan="2" | [[Budd Company|Budd]]
| Operating, rebuilt in 1973<br />700–740, 752, 781, 790–795 sold to [[Ann Arbor–Detroit Regional Rail|MItrain]] in Michigan, later acquired by [[WeGo Star]] in Tennessee
|-
|796–815<br />816–820<br />7100–7121
|Coach/Cab<br />Coach<br />Coach
|[[Burlington Northern Railroad|Burlington Northern]]
|1973<br />1973<br />1977–78
|47
| rowspan="3" |Operating
|-
| 6001–6194
| rowspan="3" | Coach
| Metra
| 2002–05
|194
| [[Nippon Sharyo]]
|-
| 7200–7382
| [[Milwaukee Road]]
| 1961–80
|183
| Budd
|-
| 7400–7497
| Metra
| 1996–98
|98
| Amerail
| Operating, rebuilt in 2012
|-
| 8200–8238
| rowspan="5" | Coach/Cab
| Milwaukee Road
| 1961–74
|39
| rowspan="2" | Budd
| Operating
|-
| 8239–8275
| [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|RTA]]
| 1978–80
|37
| Operating–Some have been converted to coaches.
|-
| 8400–8478
| rowspan="3" | Metra
| 1994–98
|79
| [[Morrison-Knudsen]]/Amerail
| Operating–Mainly assigned to the UP lines.
|-
| 8501–8608
| 2002–05
|108
| Nippon Sharyo
| Operating
|-
| TBD
| TBD
|TBD
| [[Alstom]]
| On order. Alstom [[Alstom Coradia|Coradia]] bilevel coaches. Initial order includes 200 cars, with an option for 300 more.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 13, 2021|title=Metra Board approves purchase of up to 500 modern railcars|url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-purchase-500-modern-railcars|access-date=January 23, 2021|website=Metra|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515075600/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-purchase-500-modern-railcars|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sarraf|first=Isabelle|date=January 13, 2021|title=Metra to buy 500 new rail cars|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/1/13/22227007/metra-railcars-modernization-alstom|access-date=January 23, 2021|archive-date=June 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605064723/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/1/13/22227007/metra-railcars-modernization-alstom|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 7700–7866
| rowspan="2" | Coach
| Chicago and North Western
| 1960–70
|167
| Pullman
| Operating–Five have been purchased back due to money problems.
|-
| 7867–7871
| [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island]]
| 1970
|1
| Pullman
| 7868 now a bike car. Rest retired
|-
| 8700–8763
| Coach/Cab
|[[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]]
| 1960–68
|1
| Pullman
| 8749 is a bicycle car.
|}
==== Former coaches ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Numbers
!Type
!Heritage
!Year Built
!Quantity
!Builder
!Disposition
|-
|7600–7613
| rowspan="3" |Coach
| rowspan="2" |Chicago and North Western
|1955
|14
|[[St. Louis Car Company|St. Louis]]
|Retired. Two preserved at the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]
|-
|7650–7681
|1956
|32
|[[Pullman Company|Pullman]]
|Retired. One preserved at the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]
|-
|7867
7869–7871
|[[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island]]
|1970
|4
|Pullman
|
|-
|7880
|Coach (former Parlor)
|[[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]]
|1958
|1
| rowspan="2" |Pullman
| rowspan="3" |Retired
|-
|7881–7885
|Coach
|[[Rock Island District|Rock Island]]
|1970
|5
|-
|7900–7901
|Club Car
| rowspan="2" |[[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]]
|1955
|2
|St. Louis
|-
|8700–8748
8750–8763
|Coach/Cab
|1960–68
|63
|Pullman
|One preserved at the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]
|}
==== Private club coaches ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Numbers
! Type
! Heritage
! Year Built
! Builder
! Disposition
|-
| [[Car 553|553]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Private railroad car]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Chicago and North Western Railway|Chicago and North Western]]
| rowspan="2" | 1949
| rowspan="2" | [[American Car and Foundry Company|ACF]]
| In storage
|-
| 555
| Retired
|}
=== Multiple units ===
Metra's electric units, except for the future battery electric multiple units, are also known as [[Highliner]]s.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Numbers
! Model
! Type
! Heritage
! Year Built
! Builder
! Status
|-
| 1201–1226
| [[Highliner|Highliner]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Bi-Level EMU for METRA (2005-) |url=https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2005.htm |website=www.n-sharyo.co.jp |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325053903/https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2005.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rowspan="6" | [[Highliner|MU Coach]]
| rowspan="4" | Metra
| 2005
| rowspan="4" | [[Nippon Sharyo]]
| rowspan="4" | Operating
|-
| 1227–1238
| rowspan="3" | [[Highliner|Highliner II]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Highliner II Bi-Level EMU for METRA (2012-) |url=https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2017.htm |website=www.n-sharyo.co.jp |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325054008/https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2017.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2012
|-
| 1239–1279
| 2013
|-
| 1280–1386
| 2014–2016
|-
| 1501–1630
| rowspan="2" | [[Highliner]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Illinois Central]]
| 1971–1972
| [[St. Louis Car Company|St. Louis]]
| rowspan="2" | Retired
|-
| 1631–1666
| 1978–1979
| [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]]
|-
|TBD
|[[Stadler FLIRT|FLIRT Akku]]
|[[Battery electric multiple unit]]
|Metra
|2024-
|[[Stadler Rail|Stadler]]
|On order. 16 trainsets<ref>{{Cite web |last=METRA |date=2023-02-20 |title=SUMMARY OF METRA PROCUREMENT |url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/4%20IV%20C%20-%20Procurement%20Approving%20Zero%20Emissions%20Train%20Sets.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metra to receive $169.3m grant for zero-emission trainsets {{!}} Metra |url=https://metra.com/newsroom/metra-receive-1693m-grant-zero-emission-trainsets |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=metra.com |archive-date=2023-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023054027/https://metra.com/newsroom/metra-receive-1693m-grant-zero-emission-trainsets |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-17 |title=Metra to buy zero-emission, self-propelled rail cars with $169.3M federal grant |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/10/17/23921304/metra-self-propelled-rail-cars-zero-emission-trainsets-federal-grant |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023214236/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/10/17/23921304/metra-self-propelled-rail-cars-zero-emission-trainsets-federal-grant |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rail News - Metra wins federal grant to acquire battery-powered trains. For Railroad Career Professionals |url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Metra-wins-federal-grant-to-acquire-battery-powered-trains--70433 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Progressive Railroading |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117205158/https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Metra-wins-federal-grant-to-acquire-battery-powered-trains--70433 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
==Notes==
{{notes}}
== See also ==
* [[Mass transit in Chicago]]
* [[Chicago 'L']]
* [[Chicago Transit Authority]]
* [[Pace (transit)]]
* [[South Shore Line (NICTD)]]
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
== Further reading ==
*{{cite web|title=Leaders Agree to Push for Metra|work=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Online, 22 December 2004|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/dec04/286583.asp| access-date = 2005-01-20 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050107004035/http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/dec04/286583.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2005-01-07}}
*{{cite web|title=Village board seeks Metra extension|work=McHenry Online|url=http://www.mchenryonline.com/westosha/metra.htm|access-date=2005-01-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050226004659/http://www.mchenryonline.com/westosha/metra.htm|archive-date=2005-02-26}}
*{{cite web|title=Metra: Driven by its history, A modern Chicago railroad carries its past with it|work=Trains Magazine, July 2003, by J. David Ingles|url=http://trn.trains.com/railroads/2006/06/metra-driven-by-its-history| access-date = 2018-02-07}}
*{{cite web|title=The CTA's "Doomsday Budget"-and what it means to Metra riders|work=On the Bi-Level, May 2005 Special Edition|url=http://metrarail.com/OTBL/05_05_SpecialEdition.pdf| access-date = 2005-06-08 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050527011810/http://metrarail.com/OTBL/05_05_SpecialEdition.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2005-05-27}}
*J. David Ingles, Metra: "Best Commuter Train", ''[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]]'' July 1993
== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
{{Commons category|Metra}}
*[https://metra.com/ Metra]
*[https://www.rtachicago.com/ Regional Transportation Authority]
{{Metra}}
{{Chicago Rail}}
{{USCommRail}}
{{Illinois public transit}}
{{Illinois railroads}}
[[Category:Metra| ]]
[[Category:Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)]]
[[Category:Commuter rail in the United States]]
[[Category:Transportation in Chicago]]
[[Category:Railroads in the Chicago metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Railway lines in Chicago]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in the United States]]
[[Category:Transit agencies in Illinois]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Illinois]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{Short description|Suburban railroad operator in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area, in the US}}
{{redirect|Metrafuckers|other uses|Metra (disambiguation)}}
{{Update|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Metra
| image = Metra Logo.svg
| image2 = Outbound Metra at Schiller Park.jpg
| caption2 = An outbound [[North Central Service]] train approaches [[Schiller Park station]] in June 2019, being led by an Ex-Amtrak [[EMD F59PH#F59PHI|EMD F59PHI]]
| owner = [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|Regional Transportation Authority]] (RTA)
| locale = [[Chicago metropolitan area]], [[United States]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]
| lines = 11
| stations = 241 year-round, 1 seasonal, 2 under construction
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| chief_executive = James M. Derwinski<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pyke|first1=Marni|title=Metra picks James Derwinski as new chief|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170816/metra-picks-james-derwinski-as-new-chief|website=Daily Herald|access-date=January 28, 2018|date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=September 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905140330/https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170816/metra-picks-james-derwinski-as-new-chief|url-status=live}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|metra.com}}
| began_operation = 1984
| operator = Metra, [[Union Pacific Railroad]], [[BNSF Railway]]
| marks = METX
| system_length = {{convert|487.5|mi}}<ref name="operations">{{cite web|url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data|title=Operations and Ridership Data|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=2020-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331203308/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| el = {{plainlist|1=
*[[Metra Electric]]: {{1,500 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
*Other lines: none
}}
| map = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road
|from1=Metra Electric District.map
|from2=Rock Island District.map
|from3=SouthWest Service.map
|from4=Heritage Corridor.map
|from5=BNSF Line.map
|from6=Union Pacific West Line.map
|from7=Milwaukee District West Line.map
|from8=Union Pacific Northwest Line.map
|from9=North Central Service.map
|from10=Milwaukee District North Line.map
|from11=Union Pacific North Line.map
}}
|Show interactive map
|{{Metra System}}
|Show route diagram map
}}
| map_state =
| headquarters = 547 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
}}
'''Metra''' {{reporting mark|METX}} is the primary [[commuter rail]] system{{efn|Northern Indiana commuters are served by the [[South Shore Line]] under a different public authority.}} in the [[Chicago metropolitan area]] serving the city of [[Chicago]] and its surrounding suburbs via the [[Union Pacific Railroad]], [[BNSF Railway]], and other railroads. The system operates 242 [[train station|stations]] on 11 rail lines.<ref name="operations" /> It is the [[List of United States commuter rail systems by ridership|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]]. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|IL Chicago Metra total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}. The estimated busiest day for Metra ridership occurred on November 4, 2016—the day of the Chicago Cubs [[2016 World Series]] victory rally.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2016 |title=Cubs victory celebration sets new record for Metra |url=https://metra.com/newsroom/cubs-victory-celebration-sets-new-record-metra |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117204652/https://metra.com/newsroom/cubs-victory-celebration-sets-new-record-metra |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=2016-12-08 |website=metrarail.com}}</ref>
Metra is the descendant of numerous commuter rail services dating to the 1850s. The present system dates to 1974, when the [[Illinois General Assembly]] established the [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|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 a 1983 reorganization, the RTA placed commuter rail under a newly formed Commuter Rail Division, which branded itself as Metra in 1985. Freight rail companies still operate four of Metra's routes under purchase-of-service agreements. Metra owns all [[rolling stock]] and is responsible for all stations along with the respective municipalities.<ref>{{cite web | title = Our History Metra | quote = Metra owns the rolling stock and in conjunction with local municipalities is responsible for most stations. | url = https://metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history | access-date = 2018-08-11 | archive-date = 2019-03-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190308002617/https://www.metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history | url-status = dead }}</ref> Since its inception, Metra has directed more than $5 billion into the commuter rail system of the Chicago metropolitan area alongside the [[Chicago Transit Authority|CTA]]. In January 2023, Metra rolled out a new real-time train tracking website to allow passengers greater visibility into their commute.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metratracker.com/home|title=Loading...|website=metratracker.com|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221121645/https://metratracker.com/home|url-status=live}}</ref>
== History ==
{{See also|History of passenger rail in Chicago}}
=== Early Chicago commuter rail ===
Since its founding in the 19th century, Chicago has been a major Midwestern hub in the North American rail network.<ref name=ChicagoHistoryEncyc-Railroads>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Railroads | encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Chicago | publisher = Chicago Historical Society | url = http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1039.html | date = January 23, 2009 | access-date = May 12, 2011 | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015906/http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1039.html | url-status = live }}</ref> It has more trackage radiating in more directions than any other city in North America.<ref name=ChicagoHistoryEncyc-Railroads /> 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 [[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad|Chicago, Burlington and Quincy]], [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]], and [[Milwaukee Road]].
By the 1930s, Chicago had the world's largest public transportation system, but commuter rail services started to decline.<ref name=UIC-CCRC>{{cite web | title = Chicago Commuter Rail Collection | work = Special Collection Finding Aids | publisher = [[University of Illinois at Chicago]] | url = http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/specialcoll/services/rjd/findingaids/CCRb.html | date = August 17, 2006 | access-date = May 12, 2011 | archive-date = May 30, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100530055331/http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/specialcoll/services/rjd/findingaids/CCRb.html | url-status = live }}</ref> 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 car (rail)|passenger cars]] dating as far back as the 1920s.<ref name=ChicagoTransitRailfan-MetraHistory>{{cite web | title = Metra History | first = Bill | last = Vandervoort | work = Metra Railfanning | url = http://web.me.com/willvdv/chirailfan/hismetra.html | date = October 12, 2010 | access-date = May 12, 2011 | archive-date = January 29, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100129044616/http://web.me.com/willvdv/chirailfan/hismetra.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
=== Formation of the RTA ===
[[File:Elgin (289733876).jpg|thumb|right|RTA EMD F40PH No. 123 crossing the [[Fox River (Illinois River tributary)|Fox River]] in [[Elgin, Illinois]], in 1981]]
To provide stability to the commuter rail system, the [[Illinois General Assembly]] formed the [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|Regional Transportation Authority]] in 1974.<ref name=Metra-History>{{cite web |title=Metra History |work=About Metra |publisher=Metra |url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308002617/https://www.metrarail.com/about-metra/our-history |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref name=ChicagoTransitRailfan-MetraHistory /> The companies that had long provided commuter rail in the Chicago area continued to operate their lines under contract to the RTA.<ref name=Metra-History />
Less than a decade later the Regional Transportation Authority was already suffering from ongoing financial problems. Additionally, two rail providers, the [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|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 (transit)|Pace]], it was one of RTA's three "service boards".<ref name=Metra-History />
=== Metra branding ===
[[File:Metra 614.jpg|thumb|right|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 '''Met'''ropolitan '''Ra'''il.<ref name=":0">{{cite news | url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-07-11/news/8502140915_1_rail-board-metra-regional-transportation-authority | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Rail Board To Assume New Identity: Metra | date=July 11, 1985 | access-date=2013-08-04 | archive-date=2013-11-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111190827/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-07-11/news/8502140915_1_rail-board-metra-regional-transportation-authority | url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=Metra-History /> 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 and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago & North Western]]) and [[BNSF Railway|BNSF]] (formerly [[Burlington Northern Railroad|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.<ref name=Metra-History />
By the first quarter of 2024, the Union Pacific Railroad is expected to transfer operations of the three Union Pacific lines to Metra. Union Pacific will continue to own and maintain the right-of-way.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.up.com/media/releases/metra-commuter-rail-nr-230330.htm?agfc=NewsRelease&agfm=LinkedIn&agfs=social |title=Union Pacific Transferring Commuter Rail Services to Metra |publisher=Union Pacific Railroad |access-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401154235/https://www.up.com/media/releases/metra-commuter-rail-nr-230330.htm?agfc=NewsRelease&agfm=LinkedIn&agfs=social |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Growth and expansion ===
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, 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).<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/On_Time_Performance/OTPreport2012M12.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204041810/http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/On_Time_Performance/OTPreport2012M12.pdf |archive-date=2015-02-04 }}</ref> It also posted its fourth highest volume in its history despite decreases in employment opportunities in downtown Chicago.<ref name=Metra-AnnualRidership>{{cite web|title=Metra Ridership Reports – Annual Ridership |work=Metra Annual Report |publisher=Metra |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports/annual_ridership.html |date=March 10, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527172814/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports/annual_ridership.html |archive-date=May 27, 2012 }}</ref>
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.<ref name=Metra-History /> In addition to core improvements on the [[Union Pacific Northwest Line|Union Pacific Northwest]] and Union Pacific West Lines, planning advanced on two new Metra routes, [[SouthEast Service (Metra)|SouthEast Service]] and the [[Suburban Transit Access Route]] ("STAR" Line).<ref name=Metra-Connects>{{cite web|title=Metra Connects |publisher=Metra |url=http://metraconnects.metrarail.com/index.php |access-date=May 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714080431/http://www.metraconnects.metrarail.com/index.php |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> In 2023, Metra announced plans to extend the [[Milwaukee District West Line]] to Rockford, Illinois, with intermediate stops at [[Huntley, Illinois|Huntley]] and [[Belvidere, Illinois|Belvidere]], by 2027.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|title=Metra service between Chicago and Rockford to begin in 2027|author=Mitch Dudek|date=July 6, 2023|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=July 6, 2023|archive-date=July 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706170043/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Corruption ===
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 [[George Ryan#Scandals, trial, and conviction|Operation Safe Road]] scandal.<ref>{{cite news |title = From GOP insider to federal witness |date = July 8, 2002 |author = Long, Jeff |author2 = Japsen, Bruce |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0207080199jul08-story.html |newspaper = [[Chicago Tribune]] |location = [[Chicago]] |access-date = July 22, 2018 |archive-date = July 23, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064149/http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0207080199jul08-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |title = FBI file on Metra's Phil Pagano offers sad lessons |date = April 2, 2014|author = Hinz, Greg |url= http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140402/BLOGS02/140409939/fbi-file-on-metras-phil-pagano-offers-sad-lessons |newspaper = [[Crain's Chicago Business]]|location = [[Chicago]] | access-date = July 22, 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Tribune-SourceCodePayoff>{{cite news |title = Metra probe of alleged shakedown got lost in 'chaos' following agency pay scandal |date = April 14, 2011 |author = Wronski, Richard |author2 = Metz, Nina |url = http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-04-14/news/ct-met-metra-extortion-20110414_1_metra-probe-transit-agency-metra-official |newspaper = [[Chicago Tribune]] |location = [[Chicago]] |access-date = May 12, 2011 |archive-date = September 27, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927235451/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-04-14/news/ct-met-metra-extortion-20110414_1_metra-probe-transit-agency-metra-official |url-status = live }}</ref>
In June 2013, Metra CEO Alex Clifford abruptly resigned his position with no public comment. It was later reported that his exit had been demanded by the Metra board, which negotiated a $871,000 severance package including a [[non-disclosure agreement]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2013/08/21/rta-report-blasts-metra-over-clifford.html | title=RTA report blasts Metra board over Clifford severance | access-date=2013-09-10 | archive-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816132345/http://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2013/08/21/rta-report-blasts-metra-over-clifford.html | url-status=live }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-12/news/chi-former-metra-ceo-cites-madigan-influence-in-downfall-20130712_1_memo-metra-ceo-alex-clifford-inspector-general | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Metra CEO memo alleges more Madigan influences | date=July 12, 2013 | access-date=2013-09-10 | archive-date=2013-09-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917113518/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-12/news/chi-former-metra-ceo-cites-madigan-influence-in-downfall-20130712_1_memo-metra-ceo-alex-clifford-inspector-general | url-status=live }}</ref> In the wake of this scandal, five board members resigned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc7chicago.com/archive/9207882/|title=5th Metra board member, Stanley Rakestraw, resigns under pressure from Toni Preckwinkle|first=Eric|last=Horng|work=abc7chicago.com|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=8 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108032629/https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9207882/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/22186467-418/metra-names-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo.html|title=Metra names 'railroad man' as interim CEO|last=Rossi|first=Rosalind|date=August 27, 2013|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311180844/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/22186467-418/metra-names-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-metra-board-meeting-20130828,0,2334060.story|title=Veteran 'railroad guy' takes over at Metra|last=Wronski|first=Richard|author2=Stacy St. Clair|date=August 28, 2013|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=August 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828102139/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-metra-board-meeting-20130828,0,2334060.story|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/08/27/metra-board-picks-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo/|title=Metra Board Picks 'Railroad Man' As Interim Director|date=August 27, 2013|work=CBS Chicago|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901133737/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/08/27/metra-board-picks-railroad-man-as-interim-ceo/|url-status=live}}</ref> By October 2013, local officials had restored Metra's board to 11 members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-10-21/news/ct-met-metra-board-20131019_1_new-board-members-new-ventra-fare-card-cook-county-commissioners|title=New board members take seats at Metra|date=October 21, 2013|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219093235/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-10-21/news/ct-met-metra-board-20131019_1_new-board-members-new-ventra-fare-card-cook-county-commissioners|url-status=live}}</ref> After reviewing four candidates, the re-constituted board formally appointed Orseno CEO of Metra in January 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-31/news/chi-metra-ceo-20140131_1_alex-clifford-metra-chief-executive-acting-chairman-jack-partelow|title=Former train engineer Orseno named Metra chief executive|date=January 31, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311180941/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-31/news/chi-metra-ceo-20140131_1_alex-clifford-metra-chief-executive-acting-chairman-jack-partelow|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-30/news/ct-metra-executive-director-met-20140130_1_acting-chairman-jack-partelow-don-orseno-second-largest-commuter-rail-agency|title=Metra's board faces decision on new executive director|date=January 30, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311180811/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-30/news/ct-metra-executive-director-met-20140130_1_acting-chairman-jack-partelow-don-orseno-second-largest-commuter-rail-agency|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2014, "a lengthy history of political patronage hiring at" Metra was reported, based on past files.<ref>{{cite news |title = Metra files reveal years of political patronage |date = April 16, 2014 |author = [[Associated Press]] |url = http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140416/NEWS02/140419819/metra-files-reveal-years-of-political-patronage |newspaper = [[Crain's Chicago Business]] |location = [[Chicago]] |access-date = July 22, 2018 |archive-date = November 8, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221108034147/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140416/NEWS02/140419819/metra-files-reveal-years-of-political-patronage |url-status = live }}</ref>
=== Underfunding ===
For a long time, Metra was not being funded enough to keep most equipment and rolling stock up to date. On average, the agency received approximately $700 million a year, but Metra claims to need about $2 billion a year, which only since 2020 has been accomplished. Because of this, Metra had to cut back on new rolling stock, instead resorting to their Rebuild Programs, in which they rebuild railcars and locomotives with newer state of the art utilities. Rebuilds cost only a fraction as much as buying new rolling stock, such as with their Amerail built cars. Rebuild programs can rebuild aging cars for approximately $650,000, whereas buying that same railcar new would be approximately $3 million.<ref>{{Citation |title=Metra Railcar Rehab |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrwjG0T2kgc |language=en |access-date=2022-03-18 |archive-date=2022-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318141345/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrwjG0T2kgc |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Operations ==
[[File:Geneva Metra 071020.jpg|thumb|right|Passengers near an inbound train at [[Geneva (Metra)|Geneva Station]]]]
=== Stations ===
{{main list|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.<ref name=Metra-SystemMap>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map.html |title= Metra System Map |date= April 3, 2011 |work= Maps and schedules |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 12, 2011 |archive-date= June 29, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160629033151/http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map.html |url-status= dead }}</ref>
Metra trains originate from one of four stations in downtown Chicago. Six lines originate at [[Union Station (Chicago)|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 and still often called Randolph Street Terminal. All four terminals are situated within walking distance of the [[Chicago Loop]], so Metra passengers can easily transfer to a different Metra line upon their arrival downtown.<ref name=Metra-SystemMap /> Metra's urban-centric service remains popular with suburban commuters working downtown, [[reverse commute]]rs, and those who visit Chicago for recreational activities and [[tourism]].<ref name=Ranney-TF022004>{{cite conference |url= http://www.chicagometropolis2020.org/documents/CM2020Testimony020604.pdf |title= Testimony to the Regional Transportation Task Force |first= George |last= Ranney |date= February 6, 2004 |conference= Regional Transportation Task Force |location= [[Chicago]] |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111005215857/http://www.chicagometropolis2020.org/documents/CM2020Testimony020604.pdf |archive-date= October 5, 2011 }}</ref>
Stations are found throughout Chicago, as well as in suburban [[Cook County, Illinois|Cook]], [[DuPage County, Illinois|DuPage]], [[Kane County, Illinois|Kane]], [[Lake County, Illinois|Lake]], [[McHenry County, Illinois|McHenry]], and [[Will County, Illinois|Will]] counties—an area largely coextensive with the inner ring of the Chicago metropolitan area. One station is located in [[Kenosha station|Kenosha, Wisconsin]].
=== Routes ===
Metra operates on 11 lines, most of which date from the mid-19th century. Four lines are operated under purchase-of-service agreements. 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; five of these primarily run over track owned by other railroads, while two (the Electric and Rock Island districts) run entirely on Metra-owned track. 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).
[[File:Metra Electric train.jpg|thumb|right|Metra Electric [[Highliner]]s at [[59th Street (Metra)|59th Street station]]]]
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|BNSF}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|BNSF}}'''
:The BNSF Line is Metra's busiest route. This {{convert|37.5|mi|km|adj=on}} route runs from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Aurora}}, Illinois. It had an average of 63,000 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|hc}}'''
:Metra's least patronized line, the Heritage Corridor is a {{convert|37.2|mi|km|adj=on}} route, running from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Joliet}}, Illinois during weekday rush hours only in the peak direction. It had an average of 2,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|me}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|me}}'''
:The Metra Electric District is a {{convert|31.5|mi|km|adj=on}} electrically powered route from Millennium Station to {{stl|Metra|University Park}}, with an additional {{convert|9.1|mi|km}} of branch lines serving {{stl|Metra|Blue Island}} (except Sundays and holidays) and {{stl|Metra|South Chicago (93rd Street)}}. The line had an average of 28,100 passenger weekday trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|mdn}}'''
:The Milwaukee District North Line is a {{convert|49.5|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Fox Lake}}, Illinois. The line had an average of 22,100 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|mdw}}'''
:The Milwaukee District West Line is a {{convert|39.8|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Big Timber Road}} in [[Elgin, Illinois]]; on weekends and holidays, service terminates in downtown {{stl|Metra|Elgin}}. The line had an average of 20,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" /> In 2023, Metra announced plans to extend the Milwaukee District West Line to [[Rockford, Illinois]] by 2027.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|title=Metra service between Chicago and Rockford to begin in 2027|author=Mitch Dudek|date=July 6, 2023|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=July 6, 2023|archive-date=July 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706170043/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/7/6/23785853/metra-service-chicago-rockford-begin-2027-passenger-trains|url-status=live}}</ref>
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|nc}}'''
:The North Central Service is a {{convert|52.8|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Antioch}}, Illinois. It had an average of 5,600-weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" /> It does not run at all on weekends and holidays.
[[File:Metra Timetables (2019).jpg|thumb|right|Various timetables (2018–19)]]
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|ri}}'''
:The Rock Island District is a {{convert|40.0|mi|km|adj=on}} route (not inclusive of the {{convert|6.6|mi|km|adj=on}} Beverly Branch) to the southwest and southern suburbs. The line has 26 stations on two branches from LaSalle Street Station to {{stl|Metra|Joliet}}. Some trains branch off onto a local track and terminate at {{stl|Metra|Blue Island|ri}}. It had an average of 26,900 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|sw}}'''
:The SouthWest Service is a {{convert|40.8|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Union Station to {{stl|Metra|Manhattan}}, Illinois, though most trains end at {{stl|Metra|Orland Park 179th Street}}. It had an average of 9,600-weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" /> It does not run at all on Sundays and holidays, and Saturday service is currently suspended.
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|upn}}'''
:The only route that travels outside Illinois, the Union Pacific North Line is a {{convert|51.6|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to {{stl|Metra|Kenosha}}, Wisconsin, with most trains ending in {{stl|Metra|Waukegan}}, Illinois. The line had an average of 34,600 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|upnw}}'''
:The longest Metra route, the Union Pacific Northwest Line is a {{convert|63.2|mi|km|adj=on}} route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to {{stl|Metra|Harvard}}, Illinois, with most trains ending in {{stl|Metra|Crystal Lake}}. During weekdays except for holidays, service also includes a {{convert|7.59|mi|km|adj=on}} branch line from {{stl|Metra|Pingree Road}} to {{stl|Metra|McHenry}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/metra_state_of_the_system_2016_reduced.pdf |title=Metra State of the System 2016 |website=Metrarail.com |access-date=2017-08-25 |archive-date=2020-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030162803/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/metra_state_of_the_system_2016_reduced.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The line had an average of 40,100 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
<span style="color:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}};">█</span> '''{{lnl|Metra|upw}}'''
:The Union Pacific West Line is a {{convert|43.6|mi|km|adj=on}} route running from Ogilvie Transportation Center to {{stl|Metra|Elburn}}, Illinois. The line had an average of 27,900 weekday passenger trips in 2018–2019.<ref name="operations" />
==== Proposed routes ====
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 downtown. {{As of|2020}}, only the SouthEast Service is still being considered.<ref name="2019 METRA CBA">{{cite web|author=AECOM Staff|date=January 16, 2019|title=Systemwide Cost Benefit Analysis of Major Capital Improvements|publisher=Metra|access-date=January 20, 2020|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/cba_final_report_20190116.pdf|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507150847/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/cba_final_report_20190116.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pyke|first=Marni|title=Do fast buses on I-90 mean falling STAR line?|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120118/news/701189697/|access-date=December 22, 2012|newspaper=Daily Herald|date=January 18, 2012|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423184754/http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120118/news/701189697|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2023, the [[Illinois Department of Transportation]] selected Metra as the agency to run [[Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail|restored rail service]] to [[Rockford, Illinois|Rockford]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freishtat |first1=Sarah |title=Metra was chosen to operate service to Rockford. That could help the commuter rail as it struggles to bring back riders |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/transportation/ct-biz-metra-rockford-ridership-funding-20230718-liwj3ii3w5hihnapc25qbdyknm-story.html |access-date=19 July 2023 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719015910/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/transportation/ct-biz-metra-rockford-ridership-funding-20230718-liwj3ii3w5hihnapc25qbdyknm-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingalls |first=William |date=July 6, 2023 |title=Metra chosen as passenger rail service provider from Rockford/Belvidere to Chicago |url=https://www.wrex.com/news/metra-chosen-as-passenger-rail-service-provider-from-rockford-belvidere-to-chicago/article_afe56eb2-1bac-11ee-8555-63a7e526a51b.html |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=wrex.com |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162349/https://www.wrex.com/news/metra-chosen-as-passenger-rail-service-provider-from-rockford-belvidere-to-chicago/article_afe56eb2-1bac-11ee-8555-63a7e526a51b.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Pre-Metra routes ====
Several commuter lines were discontinued before Metra was established. The [[Illinois Central West 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 ===
Ridership has been slowly declining on all but one line since 2014, as seen below. The figures post-2020 have been drastically affected by the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Though monthly reports from 2022 show heavy improvement over 2021 figures, they are still dramatically below pre-pandemic levels.<ref>{{cite web|title=April 2022 Ridership Trends Memo|url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/April%202022%20Ridership%20Trends%20Memo%20v3.2.pdf|website=Metra|access-date=9 June 2022|date=18 May 2022|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609200701/https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/April%202022%20Ridership%20Trends%20Memo%20v3.2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Annual ridership ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Annual ridership by line
|-
! colspan=2| Line !! 2014 !! 2015 !! 2016 !! 2017 !! 2018<ref name="2018report">{{cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS ANNUAL REPORT 2018|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/ridership/2018_annual_ridership_report.pdf|access-date=12 May 2019|publisher=Metra|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512014120/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/ridership/2018_annual_ridership_report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>!! 2019<ref name="2019report">{{cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS ANNUAL REPORT 2019|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/annual_report_2019_standalone.pdf|access-date=27 February 2021|publisher=Metra}}</ref>
!2020<ref name="2020report">{{Cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS ANNUAL REPORT 2020|url=https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/2020_annual_ridership_report_v5.pdf|access-date=2021-04-04|website=Metra|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423173302/https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/planning/2020_annual_ridership_report_v5.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
!2021<ref name="2021report">{{cite web|title=RIDERSHIP TRENDS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT|url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/2021%20Annual%20Ridership%20Report%20v6.1.pdf|website=Metra|access-date=9 June 2022|date=March 2022|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609195155/https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/2021%20Annual%20Ridership%20Report%20v6.1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
!2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=RTAMS |title=Monthly Ridership By Line |url=https://rtams.org/dataset/metra-ridership/resource/4524acc4-f5d0-48b2-bd52-cd8b0c4af6d1#{query:{filters<nowiki>:[{type:!term,field:!YEAR,term:!2022}]}}</nowiki>}}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}"| || 16,658,357 || 16,400,290 || 16,325,320 || 16,235,817 || 15,822,652 || 15,468,014
||3,659,617
|2,483,782
|4,508,149
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || 729,139 || 723,803 || 718,015 || 727,202 || 728,467 || 734,098
||177,838
| 82,197
|182,890
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}"| || 9,415,916 || 9,054,649 || 8,642,365 || 8,149,977 || 7,716,121 || 7,282,993 ||2,019,403
|1,836,723
|3,132,516
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}"| || 7,237,913 || 7,094,564 || 6,934,684 || 6,818,808 || 6,610,059 || 6,549,143
||1,556,783
| 1,094,292
|1,905,473
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}"| || 6,946,268 || 6,771,637 || 6,621,104 || 6,349,963 || 6,143,996 || 5,904,808
||1,480,973
| 1,059,742
|1,724,436
|-
| [[North Central Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}"| || 1,817,335 || 1,758,118 || 1,730,494 || 1,684,357 || 1,640,984 || 1,589,905
||340,682
| 146,668
|324,363
|-
| [[Rock Island District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}"| || 8,544,753 || 8,305,273 || 8,112,784 || 7,923,588 || 7,578,330 || 7,338,133
||1,952,547
|1,669,273
|2,604,889
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}"| || 2,659,040 || 2,604,292 || 2,538,273 || 2,457,418 || 2,420,921 || 2,356,767
||574,815
|305,167
|556,591
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}"| || 9,328,441 || 9,248,834 || 9,220,477 || 9,030,120 || 8,689,776 || 8,552,117 ||2,300,363
|1,954,284
|3,060,621
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}"| || 11,609,358 || 11,301,755 || 11,183,739 || 10,910,882 || 10,597,680 || 10,384,356 ||2,602,403
|1,962,084
|3,281,427
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}"| || 8,423,188 || 8,367,264 || 8,375,067 || 8,332,483 || 8,139,344 || 7,883,185 ||1,945,886
|1,486,536
|2,408,426
|-
! colspan=2| Total !! 83,369,706 !! 81,630,476 !! 80,402,319 !! 78,620,612 !! 76,088,329 !! 74,043,156
!18,611,311 !! 14,080,749
!23,726,400
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" | Line !! 2023<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=METRA ANNUAL RIDERSHIP REPORT 2023 |url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/January%202024%20Ridership%20Trends%20and%202023%20Annual%20Ridership%20Memo%20Final.pdf |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=Metra }}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}" | || 6,171,000
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || 253,000
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}" | || 3,888,000
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}" | || 2,846,000
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}" | || 2,307,000
|-
| [[North Central Service]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}" | || 536,000
|-
| [[Rock Island District]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}" | || 3,066,000
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}" | || 845,000
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}" | || 4,148,000
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}" | || 4,633,000
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]]|| style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}" | || 3,293,000
|-
! colspan="2" | Total !! 31,986,000
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Annual ridership by year
|-
! Year !! Ridership !! class="unsortable" |
|-
| 2008 || 86,808,870 || <ref name="2008rideserve" />
|-
| 2010 || 81,369,000 || <ref name="2010rideserve" />
|-
| 2012 || 81,270,253 ||<ref name="2011rideserve" />
|-
| 2014 || 83,369,706 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2015 || 81,630,476 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2016 || 80,402,319 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2017 || 78,620,612 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2018|| 76,088,329 || <ref name="2018report" />
|-
| 2019|| 74,043,516 || <ref name="2019report" />
|-
| 2020|| 18,611,311 || <ref name="2020report" />
|-
|2021
|14,080,749
|<ref name="2021report" />
|-
|2022
|23,726,400
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=RTAMS |title=Metra Ridership |url=https://rtams.org/dataset/metra-ridership |access-date=2023-07-06 |archive-date=2023-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622152253/https://rtams.org/dataset/metra-ridership |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2023
|31,986,000
|<ref name=":2" />
|}
==== Weekday ridership ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Average weekday ridership by line
|-
! colspan=2| Line !! 2008<ref name=2008rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019122135/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=19 October 2009}}</ref>!! July 2008–<br />June 2009<ref name=2009rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102073002/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=2 January 2010}}</ref> !! 2010<ref name=2010rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329212712/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=29 March 2012}}</ref> !! July 2011–<br />June 2012<ref name=2011rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028170301/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports.html|publisher=Metra |archive-date=28 October 2013}}</ref> !! July 2015–<br />June 2016<ref name=2016rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data
|url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320061340/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data|publisher=Metra |archive-date=20 March 2017}}</ref> !! July 2016–<br />June 2017<ref name=2017rideserve>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data |publisher=Metra |access-date=12 May 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331203308/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/reports-documents/operations-ridership-data |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}"| || 63,400 || 63,500 || 64,600 || 67,400 || 65,300 || 63,900
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || 2,800 || 2,800 || 2,600 || 2,600 || 2,400 || 2,400
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}"| || 42,800 || 41,200 || 36,200 || 36,400 || 32,800 || 31,600
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}"| || 26,100 || 26,000 || 23,500 || 23,100 || 22,900 || 22,800
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}"| || 22,900 || 22,600 || 22,300 || 22,800 || 22,300 || 22,100
|-
| [[North Central Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}"| || 5,700 || 5,800 || 5,400 || 5,800 || 5,800 || 5,800
|-
| [[Rock Island District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}"| || 35,600 || 33,900 || 30,500 || 30,700 || 29,800 || 28,700
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}"| || 10,200 || 9,900 || 9,500 || 9,700 || 9,900 || 9,600
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}"| || 41,000 || 42,000 || 36,400 || 35,400 || 35,500 || 34,700
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}"| || 43,500 || 43,500 || 40,900 || 41,000 || 40,700 || 39,600
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}"| || 30,900 || 30,800 || 29,400 || 30,300 || 27,200 || 26,900
|-
! colspan=2| Total !! 325,000 !! 322,100 !! 301,200 !! 305,200 !! 294,600 !! 288,100
|}
==== Weekend ridership ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Average weekend ridership by line
|-
! colspan=2| Line !! July 2011–<br />June 2012<ref name=2011rideserveb>{{cite web |title=Operations and Ridership Data |url=http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/Passgr%20Ops%20v4%2020131014.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227141626/http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/ridership_reports/Passgr%20Ops%20v4%2020131014.pdf|publisher=Metra |archive-date=27 December 2013}}</ref>
|-
| [[BNSF Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|bnsf}}"| || 24,600
|-
| [[Heritage Corridor]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|hc}}" | || {{n/a}}
|-
| [[Metra Electric District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|me}}"| || 14,300
|-
| [[Milwaukee District North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdn}}"| || 9,500
|-
| [[Milwaukee District West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|mdw}}"| || 9,600
|-
| [[North Central Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|nc}}"| || {{n/a}}
|-
| [[Rock Island District]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|ri}}"| || 6,800
|-
| [[SouthWest Service]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|sw}}"| || 400
|-
| [[Union Pacific North Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upn}}"| || 17,300
|-
| [[Union Pacific Northwest Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upnw}}"| || 19,500
|-
| [[Union Pacific West Line]] || style="background:#{{rcr|Metra|upw}}"| || 14,100
|-
! colspan=2| Total !! 116,100
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Average weekend ridership
|-
! Period !! Avg. weekend ridership
|-
|data-sort-value="2008" |2008<ref name=2008rideserve /> ||120,700
|-
|data-sort-value="2008 07" |July 2008–<br />June 2009<ref name=2009rideserve /> || 124,600
|-
|data-sort-value="2010" |2010<ref name=2010rideserve /> || 121,800
|-
|data-sort-value="2011 07" |July 2011–<br />June 2012<ref name=2011rideserve /> || 116,100
|-
|data-sort-value="2015 07" |July 2015–<br />June 2016<ref name=2016rideserve /> || 108,300
|-
|data-sort-value="2016 07" |July 2016–<br />June 2017<ref name=2017rideserve /> || 105,900
|}
=== Connections ===
[[Transportation in Chicago]] consists of a public transportation infrastructure allowing for [[Intermodal passenger transport|intermodal connections]] to local, regional, national and international transportation services. [[Parking lot]]s are available adjacent to most suburban Metra stations for passengers connecting with their train by [[Automobile|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.<ref name=Metra-Parking>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/parking.html |title= Parking Map |date= February 23, 2011 |work= Riding Metra |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706132429/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/parking.html |archive-date= July 6, 2011 }}</ref> Mass transit [[Chicago Transit Authority|CTA]] and suburban [[Pace (transit)|Pace]] buses connect with many Metra stations downtown and in the suburbs. Monthly pass holders are offered link-up options with these services.<ref name=Metra-Tickets>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html |title= Tickets |date= April 27, 2011 |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |archive-date= June 28, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160628040330/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> In addition, many [[intercity bus]] lines connect with passengers outside of Union Station.<ref name=ExploreChicago-Trans>{{cite web |url= http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/travel_tools/transportation.html |title= Transportation |work= Travel Tools |publisher= City of Chicago |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110522100428/http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/travel_tools/transportation.html |archive-date= May 22, 2011 }}</ref>
The [[Chicago "L"]] also has transfers with Metra at some Chicago stations. Most 'L' lines traverse [[The Loop (CTA)|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 (CTA)|Blue Line]] at [[Irving Park station (CTA Blue Line)|Irving Park]] and [[Jefferson Park Transit Center]]; and from the [[Union Pacific West Line]] to the [[Green Line (CTA)|Green Line]] at Oak Park.<ref name=Garfield-JeffersonPark>{{cite web |url= http://www.chicago-l.org/stations/jefferson_pk.html |title= Jefferson Park |work= Northern Illinois History |author= Garfield, Graham |access-date= May 14, 2011 |archive-date= April 26, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210426061236/https://www.chicago-l.org/stations/jefferson_pk.html |url-status= live }}</ref> '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.<ref name=Metra-UnionStation>{{cite web|url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/downtown_chicagostations/chicago_union_station.html |title=Chicago Union Station |date=February 23, 2011 |publisher=Metra |access-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614012328/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/downtown_chicagostations/chicago_union_station.html |archive-date=June 14, 2011 }}</ref> In addition to [[Illinois Service]] and [[Hiawatha Service]], Amtrak trains run nationwide including service to [[Coastal states|states spanning both coastlines]].<ref name=Amtrak-UnionStation>{{cite web |url= http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=CHI |title= Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) |publisher= Amtrak |access-date= May 14, 2011 |archive-date= April 27, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210427203553/http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am%2Fam2Station%2FStation_Page&code=CHI |url-status= live }}</ref> Passengers connecting from Ogilvie Transportation Center can access Union Station through its north platforms on the opposite side of [[Madison Street (Chicago)|Madison Street]],<ref name=Metra-UnionStation /> 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, Indiana|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 station (Metra)|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 ===
In regards to the [[Positive train control|PTC mandate]] that passed [[United States Congress|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 aligned with the stance taken by much of the railroad industry.<ref name="AAR PTC Stance">{{cite web|title=Positive Train Control|url=https://www.aar.org/policy/positive-train-control|website=Association of American Railroads|access-date=2015-05-03|archive-date=2018-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308013405/https://www.aar.org/policy/positive-train-control|url-status=live}}</ref> This is due to a variety of 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 {{convert|1100|mi|km}} of track in the Chicago region to be over $200 million.<ref name="Metra PTC Delay">{{cite web|last1=Wronksi|first1=Richard|title=Metra argues for delay of 'fail-safe' rail system|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-04-09/news/ct-met-metra-collision-prevention-20130409_1_metra-rock-island-ptc-safety-system|website=Chicago Tribune|date=9 April 2013|access-date=2015-05-03|archive-date=2015-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519165246/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-04-09/news/ct-met-metra-collision-prevention-20130409_1_metra-rock-island-ptc-safety-system|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 needed 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. The latter derailment killed two passengers and injured 117.<ref name="Metra PTC Delay" /> 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.<ref name="Metra $80million PTC contract">{{cite web|last1=Wronski|first1=Richard|title=Metra to spend $80 million to help launch safety system|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-metra-contracts-met-20150422-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=22 April 2015|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424092621/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-metra-contracts-met-20150422-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Parsons 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 (California)|Metrolink]] to install their system.
By the year 2020, Metra completed installation of the Positive Train Control. This came at a capital cost of $400 million and an annual operating cost of $20 million. Metra's PTC system works with the trains of 12 other railroad companies.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Positive Train Control (PTC) {{!}} Metra|url=https://metra.com/positive-train-control-ptc|access-date=2021-11-28|website=metra.com|archive-date=2021-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128214200/https://metra.com/positive-train-control-ptc|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Fare system and ticketing ==
[[File:Metra bilevel entrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance to a Metra [[bilevel rail car]]]]
Fare is determined by the distance traveled by a passenger. Each station along every route has generally been placed in a specific zone based on its distance from its respective downtown station. Multiple stations can be placed in the same zone even though they are on the same line.
Historically, the downtown terminals and stations in the vicinity of downtown were classified as zone 'A' and each additional zone represented an added {{Convert|5|mi|km}} from the downtown terminus.<ref name=Metra-Tickets /> There were originally twelve fare zones: zones A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and M (zone L would not have any stations). Zones K and M were merged into zone J on July 15, 2018, reducing the number of zones to ten.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fare zone pilot programs begin July 15 |url=https://metra.com/fare-zone-pilot-programs-begin-july-15 |website=Metra |access-date=2 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Fare Structure Study |url=https://metra.com/fare-structure-study |website=Metra |access-date=2 February 2024}}</ref>
On February 1, 2024, Metra reduced the number of fare zones from 10 to 4 and labeled each of the four zones by number instead of letter. This was proposed in an effort to simplify its fare structure. In addition, trips not entering or exiting the downtown area (zone 1) are subjected to a flat $3.75 fee.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Neveau |first1=James |title=Metra is changing its pricing and fares. Here's how much tickets will now cost |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/metra-new-ticket-prices-fares/3277248/ |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=NBC Chicago |date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222014304/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/metra-new-ticket-prices-fares/3277248/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Studenkov |first1=Igor |title=Metra approves 2024 budget, creating new fare structure - Streetsblog Chicago |url=https://chi.streetsblog.org/2023/11/13/metra-approves-2024-budget-creating-new-fare-structure |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=chi.streetsblog.org |date=13 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222014304/https://chi.streetsblog.org/2023/11/13/metra-approves-2024-budget-creating-new-fare-structure |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Metra's 2024 Fare Structure Modifications {{!}} Metra |url=http://metra.com/2024FarePlan |website=metra.com |access-date=22 December 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222014550/https://metra.com/2024FarePlan |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Tickets ===
Several ticketing options exist for passengers. Riders may choose to purchase one-way tickets, day passes, day pass five-packs, weekend passes, or monthly passes.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web | title = Tickets | publisher = Metra | url = http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html | date = May 21, 2011 | access-date = 4 June 2011 | archive-date = 28 June 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160628040330/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/tickets.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
* A '''one-way ticket''' is used for one-way travel between two stations. One-way tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines at stations, from the [[Ventra]] app, or on the train from a conductor. Conductors will charge an extra $5 if a ticket machine was available at the passenger's departing station.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3">{{cite web |date=1 February 2024 |title=Metra's 2024 Fare changes|url=https://metra.com/2024FarePlan |access-date=1 February 2024 |publisher=Metra }}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
* A '''day pass''' provides unlimited rides on one calendar day for all stations in between two zones for twice the cost of a one-way ticket between those two zones. Day passes can be purchased in stations or in the Ventra app but are not for sale on board trains.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* A '''day pass five-pack''' provides five day passes between two zones determined at the time of purchase. Day pass five-packs can be shared between passengers and expire 90 days after the date of purchase. Day pass five-packs can only be purchased with the Ventra app.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* A '''Saturday or Sunday day pass''' provides unlimited travel between any and all zones for one passenger on a Saturday, Sunday, or certain holidays. Weekend day passes can be purchased in stations, on board trains (with no surcharge), or with the Ventra app. As of 2024, Saturday or Sunday weekend passes cost $7.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* A '''weekend pass''' (Ventra app only) provides unlimited travel between any and all zones for one passenger on a Saturday and Sunday. In the past, weekend passes were extended to include holidays adjacent to the weekend, but this practice seems to have ended.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} Weekend passes are only available within the Ventra app. As of 2024, weekend passes cost $10.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
* 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 vending machines, or from the Ventra app. Starting in July 2022, PlusBus and Link-Up have been combined to form the new Regional Connect Pass. The Regional Connect Pass is available for $30 to monthly pass holders and allows for unlimited travel on CTA buses and the 'L', as well as Pace buses. The Regional Connect Pass is only available for monthly passes purchased in the Ventra app.<ref name="Metra-Tickets3" />
=== Reduced fare programs ===
Metra allows some travelers to purchase reduced fare tickets or even ride for free. These reduced fare and free ride programs are administered by Metra and the [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|RTA]]. Some pre-college [[student]]s, [[youth]], [[senior citizen]]s, members of the [[United States Armed Forces]] and persons with [[Disability|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.<ref name=Metra-Tickets /> Cook County launched The Fair Transit pilot on January 4, 2021, scheduled to initially last for three years. Under the pilot, all riders on the Metra Electric and Rock Island lines will pay Metra's reduced fare rates.
On the [[Union Pacific North Line]], passengers headed to an event at {{stl|Metra|Ravinia Park}} may ride to the event for free after showing their Ravinia Festival e-ticket to the conductor.
== Safety and security ==
[[File:Metra Trains at Waukeegan.jpg|thumb|right|Metra F40PH locomotives at the [[Waukegan (Metra)|Waukegan Station]]]]
[[File:Aurora (Metra)-6.JPG|thumb|A Nippon Sharyo gallery car, built in the early 2000s]]
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,<ref name=NTS-Stats>{{Cite report |title=National Transportation Statistics. Table 2-1: Transportation Fatalities by Mode |url=http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_02_01.html |author=U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics |year=2010 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524184151/http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_02_01.html |archive-date=May 24, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> compromises to Metra's safety and security can occur through pedestrian accidents, [[suicide]] attempts, vehicle collisions, [[derailment]], [[terrorism]] and other [[Train wreck|incidents]]. Failing to maintain safety and security can result in equipment and infrastructure damage, extensive service disruptions, traumatic injuries and [[death|loss of life]]. Therefore, Metra and other agencies consider safety a top priority and dedicate a significant amount of resources to combat these dangers.<ref name=Metra-SchoolSafety>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/school_safety.html |title= School Safety |date= May 14, 2011 |work= Rail Safety & Security |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120410205026/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/school_safety.html |archive-date= April 10, 2012 }}</ref>
Starting in the 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 lines 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130612/news/706129747/|title=Metra ups police presence on trains|first=Marni|last=Pyke|date=12 June 2013|work=dailyherald.com|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=8 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108032644/https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130612/news/706129747/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Law enforcement ===
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 officer]]s and is responsible for the safety of all routes and stations.<ref name=Metra-Security>{{cite web|url=http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/security.html |title=Security |date=February 23, 2011 |work=Rail Safety & Security |publisher=Metra |access-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502133826/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/security.html |archive-date=May 2, 2011 }}</ref> In an effort to help coordinate [[emergency preparedness]] and [[incident management]], all Metra police officers are certified in the [[National Incident Management System]].<ref name=Metra-Emergency>{{cite web |url= http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/emergency_preparedness_public_awareness.html |title= Emergency Preparedness/Public Awareness |date= February 24, 2011 |work= Rail Safety & Security |publisher= Metra |access-date= May 14, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110418201934/http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_metra/rail_safety_security/emergency_preparedness_public_awareness.html |archive-date= April 18, 2011 }}</ref> In addition, Metra police works with the [[Chicago Police Department]] as a member of the [[Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy]].<ref name=Metra-Security /> Thomas A. Cook was the only Metra police officer that has been killed in the line of duty thus far.<ref name=OfficerDownMemorial>{{cite web|url=http://www.odmp.org/officer/18523-police-officer-thomas-alan-cook|title=Police Officer Thomas Alan Cook|work=odmp.org|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121021958/https://www.odmp.org/officer/18523-police-officer-thomas-alan-cook|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Rail safety ===
The focus on rail safety by Metra comes from many fronts beyond operations including emergency preparedness and public awareness.<ref name=Metra-Emergency /> The setup of [[railway platform]]s, use of [[grade crossing signals]] and [[crossing sequence (railways)|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 posters on monthly passes and at stations.<ref name=Metra-SchoolSafety />
Metra has been honored with several [[E. H. Harriman Award]]s 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nscorp.com/nscorp/application;JSESSIONID_nscorp=E0D2wDZLZ8t844Gn6WZDlSVqmCEM2UEJtEicpNZ1tBcpy4wFlISk!-1862265230?origin=content.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=NS+News&contentId=english/nscorp/news/whats_new/whats_new/news051606.html |title=Railroads Set Another Employee Safety Record in 2005 |author=Association of American Railroads (reprinted by Norfolk Southern Railway) |date=May 16, 2006 |access-date=May 24, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213232521/http://www.nscorp.com/nscorp/application%3BJSESSIONID_nscorp%3DE0D2wDZLZ8t844Gn6WZDlSVqmCEM2UEJtEicpNZ1tBcpy4wFlISk%21-1862265230?origin=content.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=NS%2BNews&contentId=english%2Fnscorp%2Fnews%2Fwhats_new%2Fwhats_new%2Fnews051606.html |archive-date=February 13, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Metra expects to implement [[positive train control]] on its entire system in 2019, four years after the federally mandated 2015 deadline.<ref name="npr_2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2015/06/03/411464396/most-commuter-rails-wont-meet-deadline-for-mandated-safety-systems|title=Most Commuter Rails Won't Meet Deadline For Mandated Safety Systems|work=npr.org|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=25 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925215135/https://www.npr.org/2015/06/03/411464396/most-commuter-rails-wont-meet-deadline-for-mandated-safety-systems|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Incidents ===
[[File:MetraFatalities20012010.png|thumb|'''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).<ref name=FRA-OSA />]]
There were 156 non-employee fatalities involving Metra equipment and Metra owned track between 2001 and 2010.<ref name=FRA-OSA>{{cite web |url= http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/ |title= FRA Office of Safety Analysis Web Site |date= May 20, 2011 |work= Casualties By State, Railroad or Type |publisher= [[Federal Railroad Administration]], Office of Safety Analysis |access-date= May 20, 2011 |archive-date= September 4, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110904032330/http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/ |url-status= live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=FRA-OSA />
The worst commuter rail disaster in Illinois occurred before 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.<ref name=ChiPubLib-1972Crash>{{cite web|url=http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/disasters/ilcentral_crash.html |title=1972, October 30: Illinois Central Commuter Train Crash|publisher=Chicago Public Library|access-date=2009-07-07 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001031/http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/disasters/ilcentral_crash.html |archive-date = 2007-09-27}}</ref> Two decades later, Metra experienced its first rail disaster, the [[1995 Fox River Grove bus–train collision]].<ref name=NTSB-FoxRiverGrove>{{Cite report |title= HIGHWAY/RAILROAD ACCIDENT REPORT |url= https://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/1996/har9602.pdf |year= 1996 |publisher= [[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date= May 20, 2011 |docket= PB96-916202 |archive-date= December 4, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101204142051/http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/1996/HAR9602.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=NTSB-FoxRiverGrove /> 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 {{convert|68|mph|kph}} when they should have been going {{convert|10|mph|kph}}.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wronski|first1=Richard|title=Agreement reached in 2003 Metra derailment lawsuit|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-09-19/news/ct-met-metra-lawsuit-settlement-20120919_1_metra-train-michael-gillis-rock-island-line-train|access-date=16 December 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|date=September 19, 2012|archive-date=2014-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216083339/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-09-19/news/ct-met-metra-lawsuit-settlement-20120919_1_metra-train-michael-gillis-rock-island-line-train|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wronski|first1=Richard|last2=Quintanilla|first2=Ray|title=Human error, Metra blamed in 2005 crash|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-12-22/news/0612220083_1_human-error-metra-train|access-date=3 February 2015|work=Chicago Tribune|date=December 22, 2006|archive-date=2015-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204033830/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-12-22/news/0612220083_1_human-error-metra-train|url-status=live}}</ref>
On May 11, 2022, Metra train #1242 collided with a box truck at {{stl|Metra|Clarendon Hills}} on the Metra [[BNSF Line]], resulting in four injuries, and one death. The passenger who was killed, a 72-year-old woman from Downers Grove, was ejected from a window of the train during the collision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Passenger Was Ejected Out of Train Window in Fatal Clarendon Hills Crash: Officials |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/passenger-was-ejected-out-of-train-window-in-fatal-clarendon-hills-crash-officials/2831377/ |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516034030/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/passenger-was-ejected-out-of-train-window-in-fatal-clarendon-hills-crash-officials/2831377/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This incident, as of May 2022, is the second incident in Metra's history that resulted in a passenger fatality.
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 [[lawsuit]]s and [[Settlement (litigation)|settlements]] stemming from safety failures.<ref name=Clifford-Pine>{{cite web|url=http://www.cliffordlaw.com/news/firm-news/archive/clifford-settles-violinist-lawsuit-against-metra-for-35-million|title=Clifford Settles Violinist Lawsuit Against METRA for $35 Million|date=March 11, 2002|access-date=February 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104233633/http://cliffordlaw.com/news/firm-news/archive/clifford-settles-violinist-lawsuit-against-metra-for-35-million|archive-date=January 4, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=RBL-CyclistSuit>{{cite news |title=Suit filed against railroads in cyclist's death: Metra, BNSF negligence cited as the cause |author=Uphues, Bob |url=http://www.rblandmark.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=747&TM=59770.85 |newspaper=Riverside Brookfield Landmark |date=September 28, 2005 |access-date=May 20, 2011 |archive-date=March 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315121632/http://www.rblandmark.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=747&TM=59770.85 |url-status=dead }}</ref> These failures have also resulted in updated safety policies and adjustments of equipment and warning devices.<ref name=NTSB-FoxRiverGrove />
== Rolling stock ==
=== Current locomotives ===
{{Multiple issues|section=yes|
{{Expand section|1=Current locomotives|section=1|date=September 2023|small=no|talksection=}}
{{Update section|date=September 2023}}}}
All of Metra's locomotives are [[diesel-electric locomotive]]s. The bulk of its locomotive fleet consists of F40PH locomotives. The Electric District uses [[electric multiple unit]]s.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Builder
! Model
! Road Numbers
! Year Built
! Routes Assigned
! Notes
! Image
|-
| rowspan="9" | [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| [[EMD SW1|SW1]]
| 2
| 1946
| rowspan="4" | Switch service, work trains
| Originally owned by the [[Illinois Central Railroad]], later sold to the [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island Railroad]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=MILW261s3|date=January 13, 2005|title=METRA Switch Engines|url=https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,850146|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214142400/https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,850146|archive-date=February 14, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2021|website=Trainorders.com|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[EMD SW1200|SW1200]]
| 3
| 1954
| Originally [[Milwaukee Road]]
| [[File:Metra Yard Locomotive Chicago (5994607072).jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD SW1500|SW1500]]
| 4–6, 8–9
| 1967–68, 1971–72
| Originally [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]]
| [[File:Metra4sw1500.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD GP22ECO|GP23ECO]]
| 10–11
| 1969, 1966
| Two GP23ECOs from [[Progress Rail]].<ref>Trains Locomotive 2019</ref> Both built as [[EMD GP40|GP40s]].
|
|-
| [[EMD F59PH|F59PHI]]
| 73–93
| 1998
| Milwaukee District, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor, Union Pacific Lines
| Locomotive 90 painted in [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago & North Western]] heritage livery.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Guss|first=Chris|date=August 18, 2020|title=Metra unveils C&NW heritage locomotive|url=https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/08/18-metra-unveils-cnw-heritage-locomotive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225103353/https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/08/18-metra-unveils-cnw-heritage-locomotive|archive-date=February 25, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2021|website=Trains|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />Ex-''[[Amtrak Cascades]]'' and ''[[Pacific Surfliner]]'' 450-470, entering service in October 2018.
| [[File:Metra 91 at Union Station, March 2019.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD F59PH|F59PH]]
| 94–99<ref>{{cite journal | title=Metra adds muscle to its fleet | author=Beecher, Marshall | journal=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] | date=December 2015 | volume=75 | issue=12 | pages=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=On The Bi-Level – November 2015|url=http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/Bi_Level/OTBLNov2015w.pdf|website=Metrarail.com|publisher=Metra|access-date=12 November 2015|ref=OTBLnov15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122202946/http://metrarail.com/content/dam/metra/documents/Bi_Level/OTBLNov2015w.pdf|archive-date=22 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 1988
| Milwaukee District, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor
| 97–99 ex-[[Exo (public transit)|AMT]]. Brought into service in 2015.
|
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-3]]
| 100–149, 173–184, 215–217
| 1977, 1979–81, 1983, 1988–89
| All Diesel Routes
| 100-149 rebuilt to -3 specifications between 2008 and 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metrarr.com/matmgmt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312171955/http://www.metrarr.com/matmgmt|url-status=dead|title=Doing Business with Metra|archive-date=12 March 2007|access-date=10 March 2023}}</ref> 100 repainted into RTA wrap from September 14, 2017-mid 2018.<br />104 given a paint scheme honoring the City of Chicago, revealed on May 4, 2022.<br />174-184 rebuilt to -3 specifications between 2016 and 2017. 173 rebuilt to -3 specifications in 2018 to replace the wrecked F40PHM-2 205.<br />215-216 sold to Metra in 2009 by the [[Tennessee Central Railway Museum|TCRM]] and refurbished by Progress Rail before service. 215 suffered a major fire on December 3, 2018, and has not returned to service since.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20181205/metra-still-looking-for-cause-of-engine-fire-that-evacuated-train|title = Metra still looking for cause of engine fire that evacuated train|date = 5 December 2018|access-date = 15 March 2019|archive-date = 4 May 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200504215159/https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20181205/metra-still-looking-for-cause-of-engine-fire-that-evacuated-train|url-status = live}}</ref><br />
| [[File:2 Metra Rebuilds (45117180182).jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-2]]
| 150-151, 154, 156-159, 161-167
| 1983
| Union Pacific Lines
| Retirement in progress, to be replaced by SD70MACHs
| [[File:Commuter Train (6609894319).jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PHM-3]]
| 185–204, 206–214
| 1991–1992
| BNSF, Rock Island, SouthWest Service
| Rebuilt to -3 specifications from F40PHM-2 between 2016 and 2020. When built as F40PHM-2s, they were the last F40PH series locomotives built by EMD. 194 was the first F40PHM-2 to be rebuilt and repainted.<br />210 suffered a fire on June 13, 2019. It returned to service in December, 2020. Locomotive 211 painted in Chicago Burlington & Quincy scheme.
| [[File:Metra train at Naperville Illinois locomotive 194.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[MotivePower|MPI]]
| [[MPI MPXpress|MP36PH-3C]]
| 401–427
| 2003–2004
| Rock Island, Milwaukee District, North Central Service
| Converted from [[MPI MPXpress|MP36PH-3S]] beginning in 2015 with 417.
Locomotive 402 painted into State of Illinois livery.
Locomotive 405 painted into [[Milwaukee Road]] [[Heritage unit|Heritage scheme]], with Richard F. Oppenheim naming.
Locomotive 425 painted into [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island]] Heritage scheme, with Don Orseno naming.
| [[File:METX 413.jpg|150px]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| [[EMD SD70 series|SD70MACH]]
| 500-523
| 1992–2004 (as originally built)
| Milwaukee District, North Central Service
| Used SD70MAC locomotives converted for Metra service. 24 to be/being rebuilt as of 3/25/24, (with options for more), replacing F40PH-2 (150-172) and some F40PH-3 (100–149 and 215-216, except locomotive 104's City of Chicago paint scheme).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-locomotive-purchase |title=Metra Board approves locomotive purchase {{!}} Metra |website=metrarail.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222151850/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-locomotive-purchase |archive-date=2019-02-22}}</ref> The first locomotive was delivered in October 2022<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/metra/status/1579888330874896384/photo/4 |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> and painted in an RTA heritage scheme. New locomotives will be delivered approximately once per month throughout 2022 and 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/metra/status/1579888397669179392 |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Twitter |language=en |title=Archived copy |archive-date=2022-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214164500/https://twitter.com/metra/status/1579888397669179392 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first locomotives entered service in late 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-02 |title=Metra SD70MACHs begin revenue service |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/metra-sd70machs-begin-revenue-service/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Trains |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115141252/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/metra-sd70machs-begin-revenue-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|
|-
| [[EMD F40C|F40C]]
| 611, 614
| 1974
| Milwaukee District
| 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, they were returned to service in April 2009 and remained in service until mid-2012. 611 and 614 remain in the Western Avenue yard.
| [[File:METX 611 at Canal Street (4925826994).jpg|150px]]
|}
==== Retired locomotives ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Builder
! Model
! Road Numbers
! Year<br />Built
! Routes Assigned
! Notes
|-
| rowspan="8" | [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| [[EMD F7|F7]]
| 305, 308
| 1949
| All Diesel Routes
| Donated to the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]. 305 has been restored as [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]] 411, while 308 is still painted in Metra colors.
|-
| [[EMD E8|E8]]
| 507–510, 512–522
| 1950–53
| rowspan="2" | CNW Routes
| 508, 516, and 518 sold to [[Iowa Pacific Holdings|IPH]].
515 is now owned by the [[Illinois Railway Museum]] as of December 2021.
522 is owned by [https://www.lwvry.org/ {{Tooltip|LWV|Lorain & West Virginia Railway}}] and was renumbered 101.
519 is privately owned, numbered [https://monadrailwayequipment.com/ {{Tooltip|MREX|Monad Railway Equipment Company}}] 97. Currently located at the [[Arizona Railway Museum]] in [[Chandler, Arizona]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.azrymuseum.org/roster/roster.html|title=ARM Equipment Roster|website=www.azrymuseum.org|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328110045/http://azrymuseum.org/roster/roster.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ARM Roster: C&NW EMD E8 No. 5022A |url=https://www.azrymuseum.org/roster/48/48.htm |website=www.azrymuseum.org |access-date=28 December 2023 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230745/https://www.azrymuseum.org/roster/48/48.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[EMD E9|E9]]
| 511
| 1955
| Owned by [[Union Pacific Railroad|UP]] and cosmetically restored to original number of UP 949.
|-
| [[EMD F40C|F40C]]
| 600–610, 612–613
| 1974
| Milwaukee District
| All scrapped.
|-
| [[EMD SW1500|SW1500]]
| 7
| 1968
| rowspan="2" | Switch service, work trains
| Sold to [[National Railway Equipment|NRE]] in [[Dixmoor, Illinois]] in 2015 due to an internal engine failure, and was scrapped due to site's closure in 2020.
|-
| [[EMD SW1|SW1]]
| 1
| 1938
| Originally owned by the Illinois Central Railroad, later sold to the Rock Island Railroad. #1 was modified with MU Car couplers and was the oldest operating locomotive in the U.S. that is not preserved. It was used to transfer cars from [[Metra Electric District|Metra Electric]] at [[Blue Island–Vermont Street station|Blue Island]] to the Blue Island wheelhouse to maintain a proper wheel profile on Metra Electric MU cars. Retired & auctioned off in June 2021 due to an internal engine failure.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SWITCH LOCOMOTIVE - govdeals.com|url=https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=309&acctid=10615|access-date=2021-07-10|website=www.govdeals.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607035813/https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=309&acctid=10615|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[EMD F40PHM-2|F40PHM-2]]
| 205
| 1992
| BNSF, RI, Southwest Service
| Number 205 was wrecked in a CSX Derailment on March 8, 2018, while en route for refurbishment.<ref>{{cite web |title=In-transit Metra locomotive damaged in derailment {{!}} Trains Magazine |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/13-in-transit-metra-locomotive-damaged-in-derailment/ |website=Trains |date=19 March 2018 |access-date=25 March 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325055900/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/13-in-transit-metra-locomotive-damaged-in-derailment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was scrapped on site.
|-
| [[EMD F40PH|F40PH-2]]
| 152-153, 155, 160, 168–172
| 1983
| Union Pacific Lines
| Stored in Antioch Coach Yard awaiting final deposition. All being scrapped, used for parts.
|}
=== Coaches ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Numbers
! Type
! Heritage
! Year Built
!Quantity
! Builder
! Disposition
|-
| 700–787<br />790–795
| Coach<br />Coach/Cab
| [[Chicago Burlington and Quincy|Burlington Route]]
| 1950–65<br />1965
|94
| rowspan="2" | [[Budd Company|Budd]]
| Operating, rebuilt in 1973<br />700–740, 752, 781, 790–795 sold to [[Ann Arbor–Detroit Regional Rail|MItrain]] in Michigan, later acquired by [[WeGo Star]] in Tennessee
|-
|796–815<br />816–820<br />7100–7121
|Coach/Cab<br />Coach<br />Coach
|[[Burlington Northern Railroad|Burlington Northern]]
|1973<br />1973<br />1977–78
|47
| rowspan="3" |Operating
|-
| 6001–6194
| rowspan="3" | Coach
| Metra
| 2002–05
|194
| [[Nippon Sharyo]]
|-
| 7200–7382
| [[Milwaukee Road]]
| 1961–80
|183
| Budd
|-
| 7400–7497
| Metra
| 1996–98
|98
| Amerail
| Operating, rebuilt in 2012
|-
| 8200–8238
| rowspan="5" | Coach/Cab
| Milwaukee Road
| 1961–74
|39
| rowspan="2" | Budd
| Operating
|-
| 8239–8275
| [[Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)|RTA]]
| 1978–80
|37
| Operating–Some have been converted to coaches.
|-
| 8400–8478
| rowspan="3" | Metra
| 1994–98
|79
| [[Morrison-Knudsen]]/Amerail
| Operating–Mainly assigned to the UP lines.
|-
| 8501–8608
| 2002–05
|108
| Nippon Sharyo
| Operating
|-
| TBD
| TBD
|TBD
| [[Alstom]]
| On order. Alstom [[Alstom Coradia|Coradia]] bilevel coaches. Initial order includes 200 cars, with an option for 300 more.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 13, 2021|title=Metra Board approves purchase of up to 500 modern railcars|url=https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-purchase-500-modern-railcars|access-date=January 23, 2021|website=Metra|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515075600/https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-board-approves-purchase-500-modern-railcars|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sarraf|first=Isabelle|date=January 13, 2021|title=Metra to buy 500 new rail cars|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/1/13/22227007/metra-railcars-modernization-alstom|access-date=January 23, 2021|archive-date=June 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605064723/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/1/13/22227007/metra-railcars-modernization-alstom|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 7700–7866
| rowspan="2" | Coach
| Chicago and North Western
| 1960–70
|167
| Pullman
| Operating–Five have been purchased back due to money problems.
|-
| 7867–7871
| [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island]]
| 1970
|1
| Pullman
| 7868 now a bike car. Rest retired
|-
| 8700–8763
| Coach/Cab
|[[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]]
| 1960–68
|1
| Pullman
| 8749 is a bicycle car.
|}
==== Former coaches ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Numbers
!Type
!Heritage
!Year Built
!Quantity
!Builder
!Disposition
|-
|7600–7613
| rowspan="3" |Coach
| rowspan="2" |Chicago and North Western
|1955
|14
|[[St. Louis Car Company|St. Louis]]
|Retired. Two preserved at the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]
|-
|7650–7681
|1956
|32
|[[Pullman Company|Pullman]]
|Retired. One preserved at the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]
|-
|7867
7869–7871
|[[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad|Rock Island]]
|1970
|4
|Pullman
|
|-
|7880
|Coach (former Parlor)
|[[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]]
|1958
|1
| rowspan="2" |Pullman
| rowspan="3" |Retired
|-
|7881–7885
|Coach
|[[Rock Island District|Rock Island]]
|1970
|5
|-
|7900–7901
|Club Car
| rowspan="2" |[[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western]]
|1955
|2
|St. Louis
|-
|8700–8748
8750–8763
|Coach/Cab
|1960–68
|63
|Pullman
|One preserved at the [[Illinois Railway Museum]]
|}
==== Private club coaches ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Numbers
! Type
! Heritage
! Year Built
! Builder
! Disposition
|-
| [[Car 553|553]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Private railroad car]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Chicago and North Western Railway|Chicago and North Western]]
| rowspan="2" | 1949
| rowspan="2" | [[American Car and Foundry Company|ACF]]
| In storage
|-
| 555
| Retired
|}
=== Multiple units ===
Metra's electric units, except for the future battery electric multiple units, are also known as [[Highliner]]s.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Numbers
! Model
! Type
! Heritage
! Year Built
! Builder
! Status
|-
| 1201–1226
| [[Highliner|Highliner]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Bi-Level EMU for METRA (2005-) |url=https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2005.htm |website=www.n-sharyo.co.jp |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325053903/https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2005.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rowspan="6" | [[Highliner|MU Coach]]
| rowspan="4" | Metra
| 2005
| rowspan="4" | [[Nippon Sharyo]]
| rowspan="4" | Operating
|-
| 1227–1238
| rowspan="3" | [[Highliner|Highliner II]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Highliner II Bi-Level EMU for METRA (2012-) |url=https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2017.htm |website=www.n-sharyo.co.jp |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325054008/https://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/tetsudo_e/pages/zusametra-emu2017.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2012
|-
| 1239–1279
| 2013
|-
| 1280–1386
| 2014–2016
|-
| 1501–1630
| rowspan="2" | [[Highliner]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Illinois Central]]
| 1971–1972
| [[St. Louis Car Company|St. Louis]]
| rowspan="2" | Retired
|-
| 1631–1666
| 1978–1979
| [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]]
|-
|TBD
|[[Stadler FLIRT|FLIRT Akku]]
|[[Battery electric multiple unit]]
|Metra
|2024-
|[[Stadler Rail|Stadler]]
|On order. 16 trainsets<ref>{{Cite web |last=METRA |date=2023-02-20 |title=SUMMARY OF METRA PROCUREMENT |url=https://metra.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/4%20IV%20C%20-%20Procurement%20Approving%20Zero%20Emissions%20Train%20Sets.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metra to receive $169.3m grant for zero-emission trainsets {{!}} Metra |url=https://metra.com/newsroom/metra-receive-1693m-grant-zero-emission-trainsets |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=metra.com |archive-date=2023-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023054027/https://metra.com/newsroom/metra-receive-1693m-grant-zero-emission-trainsets |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-17 |title=Metra to buy zero-emission, self-propelled rail cars with $169.3M federal grant |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/10/17/23921304/metra-self-propelled-rail-cars-zero-emission-trainsets-federal-grant |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023214236/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/10/17/23921304/metra-self-propelled-rail-cars-zero-emission-trainsets-federal-grant |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rail News - Metra wins federal grant to acquire battery-powered trains. For Railroad Career Professionals |url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Metra-wins-federal-grant-to-acquire-battery-powered-trains--70433 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Progressive Railroading |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117205158/https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Metra-wins-federal-grant-to-acquire-battery-powered-trains--70433 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
==Notes==
{{notes}}
== See also ==
* [[Mass transit in Chicago]]
* [[Chicago 'L']]
* [[Chicago Transit Authority]]
* [[Pace (transit)]]
* [[South Shore Line (NICTD)]]
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
== Further reading ==
*{{cite web|title=Leaders Agree to Push for Metra|work=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Online, 22 December 2004|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/dec04/286583.asp| access-date = 2005-01-20 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050107004035/http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/dec04/286583.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2005-01-07}}
*{{cite web|title=Village board seeks Metra extension|work=McHenry Online|url=http://www.mchenryonline.com/westosha/metra.htm|access-date=2005-01-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050226004659/http://www.mchenryonline.com/westosha/metra.htm|archive-date=2005-02-26}}
*{{cite web|title=Metra: Driven by its history, A modern Chicago railroad carries its past with it|work=Trains Magazine, July 2003, by J. David Ingles|url=http://trn.trains.com/railroads/2006/06/metra-driven-by-its-history| access-date = 2018-02-07}}
*{{cite web|title=The CTA's "Doomsday Budget"-and what it means to Metra riders|work=On the Bi-Level, May 2005 Special Edition|url=http://metrarail.com/OTBL/05_05_SpecialEdition.pdf| access-date = 2005-06-08 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050527011810/http://metrarail.com/OTBL/05_05_SpecialEdition.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2005-05-27}}
*J. David Ingles, Metra: "Best Commuter Train", ''[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]]'' July 1993
== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
{{Commons category|Metra}}
*[https://metra.com/ Metra]
*[https://www.rtachicago.com/ Regional Transportation Authority]
{{Metra}}
{{Chicago Rail}}
{{USCommRail}}
{{Illinois public transit}}
{{Illinois railroads}}
[[Category:Metra| ]]
[[Category:Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois)]]
[[Category:Commuter rail in the United States]]
[[Category:Transportation in Chicago]]
[[Category:Railroads in the Chicago metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Railway lines in Chicago]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in the United States]]
[[Category:Transit agencies in Illinois]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Illinois]]' |
All external links in the new text (all_links) | [
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78 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20220609195155/https://metra.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/2021%20Annual%20Ridership%20Report%20v6.1.pdf',
79 => 'https://rtams.org/dataset/metra-ridership/resource/4524acc4-f5d0-48b2-bd52-cd8b0c4af6d1#%7Bquery:%7Bfilters',
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