STB extends mediation for Union Pacific, Metra

Commuter trains meet on curve

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board on Tuesday, Oct. 15, granted Union Pacific a 30-day extension to the mediation period in its effort to reach an agreement with Chicago’s Metra regarding some financial aspects of an agreement to continue commuter rail service on three Metra routes on UP lines. The mediation period was to have […]

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Six arrested after looting of UP train in Chicago

Screen-shot image of container on Union Pacific freight train being looted on Oct. 11, 2024

Chicago Austin: CPD dispatched that several freight trains were being burglarized between Cicero and Lockwood. Lots of merchandise taken off trains and loaded into vehicles NBCSky5 has witnessed this. @metra and CPD in the area. Also @Metra delays. Live #NBCSky5 @nbcchicago pic.twitter.com/8zJQhQonqc — Mike Lorber (@NBCSky5) October 11, 2024 CHICAGO — At least six people […]

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Metra unveils proposed 2025 budget, capital plan

Two commter trains meet

CHICAGO — Commuter rail operator Metra has unveiled a proposed 2025 operating budget of $1.135 billion and a $366.5 million capital plan, saying it will avoid fare increases by relying on sales tax revenues and a decreasing allotment of federal COVID relief aid to cover projected increases in expenses. The Thursday, Oct. 10, release of […]

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Metra O’Hare shuttle sees minimal use during Democratic convention

View of three-car train from atop building

CHICAGO — Only about 2,400 people rode Metra’s shuttle service between O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Union Station during the special service operated in August during the Democratic National Convention, the commuter operator says. That’s only about 120 per day during the Aug. 11-30 operation. Still, Metra would like to make the service permanent. Metra […]

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NTSB issues preliminary report on Union Pacific conductor fatality in Kenosha, Wis.

Diagram of fatal accident scene in Kenosha, Wis.

WASHINGTON — The Union Pacific conductor struck and killed by a Metra train in Kenosha, Wis., on Sept. 4 had left the locomotive of his freight train to address a hot-wheel report from a wayside detector, the National Transportation Safety Board says in am preliminary investigation report issued today (Tuesday, Oct. 1). The incident occurred […]

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Union Pacific worker struck, killed by Metra train

Commuter train arrives at platform with another train stopped on adjacent track

KENOSHA, WIs. — A Union Pacific worker was struck and killed today (Wednesday, Sept. 4) by a Metra commuter train in Kenosha, WISN-TV reports. The incident occurred about 12:17 p.m. near 13th Avenue and 69th Street, about a half-mile south of the Kenosha Metra station. The worker killed has been identified as 34-year-old Austin Scott […]

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Metra brings back fall Saturday trips on Heritage Corridor

Commuter train with two locomotives under gray skies

CHICAGO — Metra’s “Rails, Trails, and Ales” program — a series of Saturday trips on the normally weekday-only Heritage Corridor — will return for a fourth straight year starting Sept. 7, the commuter operator announced Monday. The trains will operate on six consecutive Saturdays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 12, with three round trips each […]

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News photos: Metra tests waters of O’Hare service with convention shuttle

View of three-car train from atop building

CHICAGO — The Democratic National Convention may be over, but Metra’s O’Hare Shuttle service, operating between Chicago Union Station and the airport, will continue for a few more days. The commuter operator arranged with Canadian National, host railroad on the North Central Service portion of the route, and CPKC, dispatcher of the Milwaukee West segment, […]

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Regulators order UP, Metra to mediation

Two commuter trains meet on curve

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has ordered Union Pacific and Metra to enter mediation over their inability to reach financial terms on some aspects of a contract to continue commuter train service on three Metra routes using Union Pacific lines. In a decision issued Wednesday, Aug. 14, the board by a 4-0 vote granted […]

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Metra to offer O’Hare airport shuttle service during Democratic convention

Commuter train stopping at station with large parking structure in background

CHICAGO — Metra, which has a long-range goal of adding dedicated train service between O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago, will provide a sampling of what that service could be like during the upcoming Democratic National Convention. The commuter rail operator will offer shuttle service between its O’Hare Transfer station and Chicago Union Station on […]

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Chicago transit officials say funding, not restructuring, is key to better service

Train operating in the median of Interstate 90

CHICAGO — The heads of Chicago’s four transit agencies argued Tuesday at a legislative hearing that financial support, not structure, is the key issue they face in trying to serve the region’s passengers. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the top officials at Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority, bus operator Pace, and the overarching Regional Transportation […]

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Metra Electric service to see changes July 13-20 for construction

Metra_Electric_Lassen

CHICAGO — Metra’s Electric District will see some service disruptions July 13-20 to accommodate construction work adding a fourth track in downtown Chicago. On Saturday, July 13, and Saturday, July 20, Electric service will operate on a Sunday schedule to reduce the number of trains in the construction zone, while midday service will change on […]

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