CHICAGO — Metra will reduce operations on all routes on Friday, Jan.23, because of the severe cold forecast for the Chicago region, the commuter operator has announced.
Severe-weather schedules are posted here on Metra’s website; passengers are advised to review the schedules before traveling. In general, service on most lines will be similar to that on Saturdays and Sundays.
Metra says the schedules are designed to provide adequate service for the predicted ridership, and will reduce moves through switch points, minimizing opportunities for service problems. Travel times will be increased because of speed restrictions that take effect when temperatures drop below zero.
Additional changes may be made as conditions dictate; passengers should monitor platform announcements and service advisories posted at the Metra website. Extra personnel will be deployed to address mechanical and track issues and minimize service disruptions.
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Forecast for Chicago on Friday 1/23 is for normal winter weather. Cold (so what?) but no excess of wind or snow.
As in the article above, I believe this has more to do with balancing available seats with expected patronage than it does operational problems, that METRA doesn’t want to run half-empty trains. Could be that travel to downtown (for concerts, shopping, museums etc.) is migrating to seasonal peaks and valleys, while commuting for work isn’t as strong as it was pre-COVID.