CHICAGO — Metra has begun a rider survey over renaming its lines from their current names — which largely are derived from their historic operators — to one of two alphanumeric systems, one of which also uses color coding to a significant degree.
The move is spurred by Metra’s upcoming operational takeover of the three lines currently operated by Union Pacific, which is slated to occur in April, although the two sides remain unable to reach agreement on financial terms of that transition [see “Metra asks STB to require Union Pacific …,” Trains News Wire, March 7, 2025]. Metra says that when it assumes operation, the “Union Pacific” name will be phased out from the current Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West lines.
In announcing the survey, Metra says this change presents and opportunity “to reconsider all its line names, which follow no logical or consistent pattern,” which each line using its own distinct color on maps, signs, and timetables. It says it believes clear and consistent names may make the system easier to understand and encouraging infrequent and first-time riders to ride more often.
One proposal, known as the Cardinal Direction System, would group the lines by their general direction and color-code them according to their Chicago terminal. In this plan, the four North lines — the current UP North, North Central Service, Milwaukee District North, and UP Northwest ± would become lines N1 through N4, respectively. West lines (Milwaukee West, UP West, and BNSF) would become W1-3; South lines (Heritage Corridor, Rock Island, Southwest, and Metra Electric, with its two branches) would become S1-7. Union Station lines would color-coded yellow (or “Union Gold,” according to the poll); current UP lines using the Ogilvie Transportation Center as a terminal, would be green; Rock Island service from LaSalle Street station would be Orange; and Electric lines, from Millennium Station, would be gray, as shown below.
The second proposal, the Metra System, would use a single color — still to be determined — to differentiate Metra from the color-coded lines of the Chicago Transit Authority rail system, and number all routes and branches as M1 to M14, as shown below.
Those taking the surveys are asked to judge the two proposals — as well as the current system, which would only be altered regarding the UP lines — on such factors as ease of understanding and whether they would make it easier to navigate the system. They are also ask to rank the three systems in order of preference.
The survey is available here. It will be the subject of outreach events beginning today (March 11) at Chicago Union Station between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Another event will be held Wednesday, March 12, at Ogilvie Transportation Center, with the final events Thursday, March 13, at Millennium Station and LaSalle Street Station. Those will also be from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The commuter operator says this will be part of a systemwide signage and wayfinding project to replace older signs with a common design and using a common language. That stage will be in the design phase into 2026, with manufacturing and installation beginning later that year. The goal is to complete the process by early 2029.
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