Metra
 | |||
 MP36 #418 leads a train out of Union Station in Chicago. | |||
| Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) | ||
| Locale | Chicago Metropolitan Area, United States | ||
| Transit type | Commuter rail | ||
| Number of lines | 11[1] | ||
| Number of stations | 242[1][2] | ||
| Daily ridership | 292,000 (weekday, FY2013)[3] 109,700 (weekend, FY2013)[3] | ||
| Chief executive | James M. Derwinski[4] | ||
| Website | metrarail.com | ||
| Operation | |||
| Began operation | 1984 | ||
| Operator(s) | Metra Union Pacific, BNSF | ||
| Reporting marks | METX | ||
| Technical | |||
| System length | 487.7 mi (784.9 km)[2] | ||
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) (standard gauge) | ||
| |||
Metra (reporting mark METX) is a commuter railroad in the Chicago metropolitan area. The railroad operates 242 stations on 11 different rail lines.[1] It is the 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.[5] There were 83.4 million passenger rides in 2014, up 1.3% from the previous year.[6] The estimated busiest day for Metra ridership occurred on November 4, 2016—the day of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series victory rally.[7]
Using Chicago's rail infrastructure, much of which dates to the 1850s, the Illinois General Assembly established the parent Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), and later Metra, focused on rail, to serve commuters. Metra's creation was a result of the anticipated failure of commuter service operated and owned by various private railroad companies in the 1970s. Freight rail companies still operate some routes; however, these operations are guided by contracted service agreements. Metra owns all rolling stock and is responsible for all stations along with the respective municipalities. Since its inception, Metra has directed more than $5 billion into the commuter rail system of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Contents
1 History
1.1 Early Chicago commuter rail
1.2 Formation of the RTA
1.3 Metra branding
1.4 Growth and expansion
1.5 Corruption
2 Operations
2.1 Stations
2.2 Routes
2.2.1 Proposed routes
2.3 Connections
2.4 Positive train control
3 Fare system and ticketing
3.1 Tickets
3.2 Reduced fare programs
4 Safety and security
4.1 Law enforcement
4.2 Rail safety
4.3 Incidents
5 Rolling stock
5.1 Locomotive fleet
5.2 Coach fleet
5.3 Privately owned club coaches
5.4 Metra electric fleet
6 See also
7 References
8 Further reading
9 External links
History
Early Chicago commuter rail
Since its founding in the 19th century, Chicago has been a major Midwestern hub in the North American rail network.[8] It has more trackage radiating in more directions than any other city in North America.[8] Railroads set up their headquarters in the city and Chicago became a center for building freight cars, passenger cars and diesel locomotives.
By the 1930s Chicago had the world's largest public transportation system, but commuter rail services started to decline.[9] By the mid-1970s, the commuter lines faced an uncertain future. The Burlington Northern, Milwaukee Road, Chicago and North Western and Illinois Central were losing money and were using passenger cars dating as far back as the 1920s.[10]
Formation of the RTA
RTA EMD F40PH No. 123 crossing the Fox River in Elgin, Illinois in 1981
To provide stability to the commuter rail system, the Illinois General Assembly formed the Regional Transportation Authority in 1974.[11] Its purpose was to fund and plan the Chicago region's public transportation. In the beginning the Regional Transportation Authority commuter train fleet consisted of second-hand equipment, until 1976 when the first order of new EMD F40PH locomotives arrived. That F40PH fleet is still in service today.[10] The companies that had long provided commuter rail in the Chicago area continued to operate their lines under contract to the RTA.[11]
Less than a decade later the Regional Transportation Authority was already suffering from ongoing financial problems. Additionally, two rail providers, the 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, it was one of RTA's three "service boards."[11]
Metra branding
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 Metropolitan Rail.[12] 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.[11]
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 & North Western) and BNSF (formerly 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.[11]
Growth and expansion
In the late 20th and early 21st century 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).[13] It also posted its fourth highest volume in its history despite decreases in employment opportunities in downtown Chicago.[14]
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.[11] In addition to core improvements on the Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West routes, planning advanced on two new Metra routes, SouthEast Service and the Suburban Transit Access Route.[15]
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 Operation Safe Road scandal.[16]
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.[17] 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.[18]
In June 2013, Metra CEO Alex Clifford abruptly resigned his position with no public comment. It gradually was reported that his exit had been demanded by the Metra board, which negotiated a $871,000 severance package including a non-disclosure agreement.[19] 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.[20] In the wake of this scandal, five board members resigned.[21] 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.[22][23][24] By October 2013, local officials had restored Metra's board to 11 members.[25] After reviewing four candidates, the re-constituted board formally appointed Orseno CEO of Metra in January 2014.[26][27]
In 2014, "a lengthy history of political patronage hiring at" Metra was reported, based on past files.[28]
Operations
Passengers near an inbound train at Geneva Station.
Stations
Metra services 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.[29]
In downtown Chicago, Metra trains originate from one of four stations. Six lines originate at Union Station. The three Union Pacific lines originate at Ogilvie Transportation Center. The Rock Island District originates at LaSalle Street Station, and the Metra Electric District originates at Millennium Station. All of these stations are situated within walking distance of the Chicago Loop, so Metra passengers may also transfer to a different Metra line upon their arrival downtown.[29] Metra's urban-centric service remains popular with suburban commuters working downtown, reverse commuters, and those who visit Chicago for recreational activities and tourism.[30]
Stations are found throughout Chicago, as well as in suburban Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties–an area largely coextensive with the inner ring of the Chicago metropolitan area. One station is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Routes
Of Metra's 11 routes, four are operated under contract. The BNSF Line service is operated by BNSF Railway. The lines out of the Ogilvie Transportation Center (formerly North Western Station) are operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. Lines not contracted are operated by the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Rail Corporation (NIRC), Metra's operating subsidiary. 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).
█ BNSF Railway Line
- The BNSF Railway Line is Metra's busiest route. This 37.1-mile (59.7 km) route runs from Union Station to Aurora, Illinois. It had an average of 64,600 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ Heritage Corridor
- Metra’s least patronized line, the Heritage Corridor is a 37.1-mile (59.7 km) route, running from Union Station to Joliet, Illinois during peak hours only. It had an average of 2,600 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
Metra Electric Highliners at 59th Street station.
█ Metra Electric District
- The shortest Metra Line, the Metra Electric District is a 31.5-mile (50.7 km) route from Millennium Station to University Park, with branch lines serving Blue Island and South Chicago. The line had an average of 36,200 passenger weekday trips in 2010.[29]
█ Milwaukee District / North Line:
- The Milwaukee District / North Line is a 49.74-mile (80.05 km) route from Union Station to Fox Lake, Illinois. The line had an average of 23,500 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ Milwaukee District / West Line
- The Milwaukee District / West Line is a 40.02-mile (64.41 km) route from Union Station to Big Timber Road in Elgin, Illinois; on off-peak hours and weekends, service terminates in downtown Elgin. The line had an average of 22,300 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ North Central Service
- The North Central Service is a 52.91-mile (85.15 km) route from Union Station to Antioch, Illinois. It had an average of 5,400 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ Rock Island District
- The Rock Island District is a 46.8-mile (75.3 km) route to southwest and southern suburbs. The line has 26 stations on two branches from LaSalle Street Station to Joliet. It had an average of 30,500 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ SouthWest Service
- The SouthWest Service is a 40.8-mile (65.7 km) route from Union Station to Manhattan. It had an average of 9,500 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ Union Pacific / North Line:
- The Union Pacific / North Line is a 51.61-mile (83.06 km) route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Kenosha, Wisconsin, with most trains ending in Waukegan. The line had an average of 36,400 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ Union Pacific / Northwest Line
- The longest Metra route, the Union Pacific / Northwest Line is a 63.16-mile (101.65 km) route from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Harvard, Illinois, with most trains ending in Crystal Lake, with a 7.59-mile (12.21 km) branch line from Pingree Road to McHenry.[31] The line had an average of 40,900 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
█ Union Pacific / West Line
- The Union Pacific / West Line is a 43.8-mile (70.5 km) route running from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Elburn, Illinois. The line had an average of 29,400 weekday passenger trips in 2010.[29]
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 the downtown. Both of these proposals are defunct.[citation needed]
Connections
Transportation in Chicago consists of a public transportation infrastructure allowing for intermodal connections to local, regional, national and international transportation services. Parking lots are available adjacent to most suburban Metra stations for passengers connecting with their train by 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.[32] Mass transit CTA and suburban Pace buses connect with many Metra stations downtown and in the suburbs. Monthly pass holders are offered link-up options with these services.[33] In addition, many intercity bus lines connect with passengers outside of Union Station.[34]
The Chicago "L" also has transfers with Metra at some Chicago stations. Most 'L' lines traverse 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 at Irving Park and Jefferson Park Transit Center; and from the Union Pacific / West Line to the Green Line at Oak Park.[35] 'L' trains announce downtown Metra connections on board when announcing the next 'L' stop. Amtrak trains depart alongside Metra trains at Union Station.[36] In addition to Illinois Service and Hiawatha Service, Amtrak trains run nationwide including service to states spanning both coastlines.[37] Passengers connecting from Ogilvie Transportation Center can access Union Station through its north platforms on the opposite side of Madison Street.[36] A number of suburban Metra stations are also shared with Amtrak as well.
Positive train control
In regards to the PTC mandate that passed 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 aligns with the stance taken by much of the railroad industry.[38] This is due to a variety 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 1,100 miles (1,800 km) of track in the Chicago region to be over $200 million.[39] 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 just would like 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. This derailment killed 2 passengers and injured 117.[39] 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.[40] Parson’s 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 to install their system.
Fare system and ticketing
Entrance to a Metra bilevel rail car.
Fare is determined by the distance travelled by a passenger. Each station along every route has been placed in a specific zone based on its distance from its respective downtown station. Downtown terminal and downtown stations are classified as zone 'A' and each additional zone generally represents an added 5 miles (8.0 km) from the downtown terminus. Multiple stations can be placed in the same zone even though they are on the same line.[33] Fare zones include A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and M. There are no stations in zone L.
Tickets
Several ticketing options exist for passengers. Riders may choose to purchase one-way tickets, ten-ride tickets, weekend passes or monthly passes.[41]
- A one-way ticket is used for one-way travel between two stations. For roundtrip travel, two one-way tickets can be purchased. One-way tickets can be purchased from ticket agents or on the train from a conductor. Conductors will charge an extra $5 if a ticket agent was available at the passenger's departing station.[33][42][43]
- A ten-ride provides ten rides between two zones determined at the time of purchase. Ten-rides can be shared between passengers and expire after one year from the date of purchase. Ten-rides can be purchased from ticket agents, by mail or online from Metra's website.[33]
- A weekend pass provides unlimited travel between any and all zones for one passenger on a Saturday and Sunday. Sometimes weekend passes are extended to include holidays adjacent to the weekend. Weekend passes can always be purchased from conductors without a surcharge and from ticket agents. As of 2018, weekend passes cost $10.[33]
- 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 agents, by mail or online from Metra's website. Monthly pass holders may also purchase a Pace PlusBus card in conjunction with their monthly pass purchase. The PlusBus card provides unlimited rides on all Pace suburban buses.[44] A CTA/Pace Link-Up pass is also available for purchase. On CTA buses and the CTA 'L' the Link-Up pass allows unlimited travel during weekday rush hours and on Pace buses it allows unlimited travel anytime. Monthly pass holders may also travel beyond the zones listed on the monthly pass by purchasing incremental tickets from conductors on the train. Incremental tickets cost $1 beyond the first zone and 50 cents for every additional zone thereafter. There is no surcharge to purchase incremental tickets for monthly pass holders.[33]
Reduced fare programs
Metra allows some travellers to purchase reduced fare tickets or even ride for free. These reduced fare and free ride programs are administered by Metra and the RTA. Some pre-college students, youth, senior citizens, members of the United States Armed Forces and persons with 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.[33]
Safety and security
Metra F40PH locomotives at the Waukegan Station.
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,[45] compromises to Metra's safety and security can occur through pedestrian accidents, suicide attempts, vehicle collisions, derailment, terrorism and other incidents. Failing to maintain safety and security can result in equipment and infrastructure damage, extensive service disruptions, traumatic injuries and loss of life. Therefore, Metra and other agencies consider safety a top priority and dedicate a significant amount of resources to combat these dangers.[46]
Starting in 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 line 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,"[47]
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 officers and is responsible for the safety of all routes and stations.[48] In an effort to help coordinate emergency preparedness and incident management, all Metra police officers are certified in the National Incident Management System.[49] In addition, Metra police works with the Chicago Police Department as a member of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy.[48] To date, only one Metra police officer has been killed in the line of duty.[50]
Rail safety
The focus on rail safety by Metra comes from many fronts beyond operations including emergency preparedness and public awareness.[49] The setup of railway platforms, use of grade crossing signals and 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 poster on monthly passes and at stations.[46]
Metra has been honored with several E. H. Harriman Awards 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.[51]
Metra expects to implement positive train control on its entire system in 2019, four years after the federally mandated 2015 deadline.[52]
Incidents
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).[53]
There were 156 non-employee fatalities involving Metra equipment and Metra owned track between 2001 and 2010.[53] 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.[53]
The worst passenger rail disaster in Illinois occurred prior to the formation of Regional Transportation Authority. The 1972 Chicago commuter rail crash consisted of a two train collision on track now used for the Metra Electric District. The collision resulted in 45 deaths and 332 injuries.[54] Two decades later, Metra experienced its first rail disaster, the 1995 Fox River Grove bus–train collision.[55] This accident involved a collision of a Metra train and a school bus at a grade crossing resulting in 21 injuries and the deaths of seven high school students.[55] In 2003, another incident involved a 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 68 miles per hour (109 km/h) when they should have been going 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).[56][57]
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 lawsuits and settlements stemming from safety failures.[58][59] These failures have also resulted in updated safety policies and adjustments of equipment and warning devices.[55]
Rolling stock
Locomotive fleet
All of Metra's locomotives are diesel-electric locomotives. The bulk of its locomotive fleet consists of F40PH locomotives. The Electric District uses electric multiple units.
Metra F40PH-2 locomotive #181 coupled with MP36PH-3S locomotive #410
Metra F40PHM-2 locomotive #206
| Numbers | Model | Year Built | Assigned | Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | SW1 | 1939 | RI, Number 1 has been modified with MU Car couplers and is the oldest operating loco in the U.S. that is not preserved. It is used to transfer cars from Metra Electric at Blue Island to the Blue Island wheel house to maintain proper wheel profile on Metra Electric MU cars. Both originally Illinois Central units, then sold to Rock Island. Conveyed to RTA in the take over of commuter service. | Operating |
| 3 | SW1200 | Rock Island District, Used for work trains and in switch moves between districts. Originally Milwaukee Road | Operating | |
| 4–9 | SW1500 | RI, Milwaukee West, Milwaukee North, ME | Operating | |
| 97-99 [60][61] | F59PH | 1988 | All Milwaukee District Lines, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor | Operating Brought into service in 2015 The three ex-AMT locomotives are painted in "lightning bolt" style similar to MP36PH's, 42 other F40 locomotives in fleet will be painted to match within next four years. |
| 100–149, 174-184, 215-217 | F40PH-3 | 1976–1981 | All Diesel Routes | Operating 100-149 rebuilt to phase 3 status between 2008-2011[62] |
| 150–173 | F40PH-2 | 1979–1983 | Heritage Corridor, Rock Island District, And All Union Pacific Lines | Operating 174-184 Rebuilt to phase 3 status between 2016-2017. Former F40PH-2 175 was converted to an F40PH-3 and became the first F40PH-series locomotive to receive the new Metra "lightning bolt" paint scheme, which is an adaptation of the paint scheme applied to Metra's MP36 and F59PH locomotives. A few locomotives have also been converted and are painted identically to 175. Locomotive #217, an ex-Virginia Railway Express locomotive, has been rebuilt as an F40PH-3 and repainted into the "lightning bolt" paint scheme. |
| 185- 187, 189– 191, 193, 195-199,201–203,206-214 | F40PHM-2 | 1991–1992 | BNSF, RI and Southwest Service. The F40PHM-2s are the last F40PH series locomotives built by EMD. Number 205 was wrecked in a CSX Derailment on March 8, 2018 and was scrapped on site. | Operating All to be converted to F40PHM-3 status. 194 was the first F40PHM-2 to be repainted and rebuilt. |
| 188, 192, 194, 200 | F40PHM-3 | 1991 | BNSF | Operating |
| 401–427 | MP36PH-3S | 2003–2004 | RI, Milwaukee North, Milwaukee West and North Central Service. | Operating At least ten, if not all to be converted to MP36PH-3C. 401, 410, 414, 417, 419, 420, 422, 423, and 426 have been converted, and currently operate as MP36PH-3Cs. 417, 423, 420, 419, 410, and 426 were all converted straight from their former MP36PH-3S specifications. 401 and 414 were damaged in crashes and completely rebuilt as MP36PH-3Cs. 406 is currently being converted, and 409 and 413 are up next for conversion. 425 converted and painted in Rock Island paint scheme and named "Don Orseno" |
| 611, 614 | F40C-T3 | 1974 | Milwaukee Districts | Stored 611 and 614 were brought back into service, first in 2004 when the MP36PH-3S had software and computer problems when first delivered to Metra and again in 2008 while F40s were sent to Progress Rail for overhaul. 611 and 614 were to be brought back into service in 2017, fitted with EMD 710-series prime movers as more F40PH-2 and F40PHM-2 locomotives are sent for rebuild, but never were. Upon their eventual return, however, 611 and 614 will remain in service with Tier III standard prime movers. |
| 305, 308 | F7 | 1949 | All Diesel Routes | Retired, sold to the Illinois Railway Museum. 305 has been restored as Chicago and North Western 411. 308 sees very limited operation. |
| 507-510, 512-522 | E8 | 1950–1953 | CNW Routes | Retired 508, 515, 516, and 518 now owned by IPH. 519 privately owned. Renumbered to FEC 97. 522 owned by LWV and renumbered 101. |
| 511 | E9 | 1955 | CNW Routes | Retired. Owned by UP and cosmetically restored to original number of UP 949. |
| 600–610, 612, 613 | F40C | 1974 | Milwaukee Districts | Retired 610 resides at NRE in Dixmoor, IL. All other units stored and presumed scrapped. |
In February 2018, Metra announced that it had purchased 21 EMD F59PHIs from Amtrak; the locomotives had been used in Pacific Surfliner and Cascades services and were to be replaced by Siemens Chargers.[63] The first of these arrived in early November 2018.[64]
Coach fleet
A Nippon Sharyo gallery car, built in the early 2000s
| Numbers | Type | Heritage | Year Built | Builder | Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 740–820, 7100-7121 | Coach | Burlington | 1950–1973, 1977-1978 | Budd | Operating Some sold to MItrain in Michigan |
| 6001–6194 | Coach | Metra | 2002–2005 | Nippon Sharyo | Operating |
| 7200–7382 | Coach | Milwaukee Road | 1961–1980 | Budd | Operating |
| 7400–7497 | Coach | Metra | 1996–1998 | Amerail | Operating Rebuilt, 2012 |
| 8200–8238 | Coach/Cab | Milwaukee Road | 1961–1974 | Budd | Operating |
| 8239–8275 | Coach/Cab | RTA | 1978–1980 | Budd | Operating Some have been converted to coaches. |
| 8400–8478 | Coach/Cab | Metra | 1994–1998 | Morrison-Knudsen/Amerail | Operating Mainly assigned on the UP lines. |
| 8501–8608 | Coach/Cab | Metra | 2002–2005 | Nippon Sharyo | Operating |
| 7700–7866 | Coach | Chicago and North Western | 1960–1970 | Pullman | Operating Five have been purchased back due to money problems. |
| 7600–7613 | Coach | Chicago and North Western | 1955 | St. Louis | Retired two preserved in the Illinois Railway Museum |
| 7650–7681 | Coach | Chicago and North Western | 1956 | Pullman | Retired one preserved in Illinois Railway Museum as a cab coach |
| 7867–7871 | Coach | Rock Island | 1970 | St. Louis | Retired |
| 7880 | Coach (Former Parlor) | Chicago and North Western | 1958 | Pullman | Retired |
| 7881–7885 | Coach | Rock Island | 1970 | Pullman | Retired |
| 7900–7901 | Club Car | Chicago and North Western | 1955 | St. Louis | Retired |
| 8700–8763 | Coach/Cab | Chicago and North Western | 1960–1968 | Pullman | Retired |
Privately owned club coaches
| Numbers | Type | Heritage | Year Built | Builder | Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
553 | Private railroad car | Chicago and North Western | 1949 | ACF | Operating |
| 555 | Private railroad car | Chicago and North Western | 1949 | ACF | Retired |
Metra electric fleet
Metra's electric units are also known as Highliners.
| Numbers | Type | Heritage | Year Built | Builder | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1201–1226 | MU Coach | Metra | 2005 | Nippon Sharyo | Operating |
| 1227–1238 | MU Coach | Metra | 2012 | Sumitomo Group[65] | Operating |
| 1239–1279 | MU Coach | Metra | 2013 | Sumitomo Group | Operating |
| 1280-1386 | MU Coach | Metra | 2014-2016 | Sumitomo Group | Operating |
| 1501–1630 | MU Coach | Illinois Central | 1971–1972 | St. Louis | Retired |
| 1631–1666 | MU Coach | Illinois Central | 1978–1979 | Bombardier | Retired |
See also
- Mass transit in Chicago
- Chicago 'L'
- Chicago Transit Authority
- Pace (transit)
- South Shore Line (NICTD)
References
^ abc "Frequently Asked Questions - Where do Metra trains run?". Metra. Retrieved December 6, 2015..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
^ ab "Metra Passenger Operations" (PDF). Metra. October 14, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 27, 2013. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
^ ab "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-05-21. Retrieved 2015-04-29.CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link)
^ Pyke, Marni (August 16, 2017). "Metra picks James Derwinski as new chief". Daily Herald. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
^ Public Transportation Ridership Report, Fourth Quarter 2013. Commuter Rail (PDF) (Report). American Public Transportation Association (APTA). February 26, 2014. pp. 5–6. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-05-03. Retrieved 2015-05-05.CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link)
^ "Cubs victory celebration sets new record for Metra | Metra". www.metrarail.com. Retrieved 2016-12-08.
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^ "Rail Board To Assume New Identity: Metra". Chicago Tribune. July 11, 1985.
^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-02-04. Retrieved 2013-10-06.CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link)
^ "Metra Ridership Reports – Annual Ridership". Metra Annual Report. Metra. March 10, 2012. Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
^ "Metra Connects". Metra. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
^ Long, Jeff; Japsen, Bruce (July 8, 2002). "From GOP insider to federal witness". Chicago Tribune. Chicago. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
^ Hinz, Greg (April 2, 2014). "FBI file on Metra's Phil Pagano offers sad lessons". Crain's Chicago Business. Chicago. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
^ Wronski, Richard; Metz, Nina (April 14, 2011). "Metra probe of alleged shakedown got lost in 'chaos' following agency pay scandal". Chicago Tribune. Chicago. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
^ "RTA report blasts Metra board over Clifford severance".
^ "Metra CEO memo alleges more Madigan influences". Chicago Tribune. July 12, 2013.
^ Horng, Eric. "5th Metra board member, Stanley Rakestraw, resigns under pressure from Toni Preckwinkle". abc7chicago.com. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
^ Rossi, Rosalind (August 27, 2013). "Metra names 'railroad man' as interim CEO". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
^ Wronski, Richard; Stacy St. Clair (August 28, 2013). "Veteran 'railroad guy' takes over at Metra". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
^ "Metra Board Picks 'Railroad Man' As Interim Director". CBS Chicago. August 27, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
^ "New board members take seats at Metra". Chicago Tribune. October 21, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
^ "Former train engineer Orseno named Metra chief executive". Chicago Tribune. January 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
^ "Metra's board faces decision on new executive director". Chicago Tribune. January 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
^ Associated Press (April 16, 2014). "Metra files reveal years of political patronage". Crain's Chicago Business. Chicago. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
^ abcdefghijklm "Metra System Map". Maps and schedules. Metra. April 3, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
^ Ranney, George (February 6, 2004). Testimony to the Regional Transportation Task Force (PDF). Regional Transportation Task Force. Chicago. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 5, 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
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^ "Parking Map". Riding Metra. Metra. February 23, 2011. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
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^ "Chicago, IL - Union Station (CHI)". Amtrak. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
^ "Positive Train Control". Association of American Railroads.
^ ab Wronksi, Richard. "Metra argues for delay of 'fail-safe' rail system". Chicago Tribune.
^ Wronski, Richard. "Metra to spend $80 million to help launch safety system". Chicago Tribune.
^ "Tickets". Metra. May 21, 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
^ "Metra postpones hike in cost of ticket bought on-board - Chicago". Retrieved 2015-07-29.
^ Tribune, Chicago. "Ventra app presented at show-and-tell, expected to be rolled out soon". Retrieved 2015-07-29.
^ "Changes Coming as Link-Up, PlusBus Cards Transition to Ventra". Metra. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
^ U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (2010). National Transportation Statistics. Table 2-1: Transportation Fatalities by Mode (Report). Retrieved May 11, 2011.
^ ab "School Safety". Rail Safety & Security. Metra. May 14, 2011. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
^ Pyke, Marni (12 June 2013). "Metra ups police presence on trains". dailyherald.com. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
^ ab "Security". Rail Safety & Security. Metra. February 23, 2011. Archived from the original on May 2, 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
^ ab "Emergency Preparedness/Public Awareness". Rail Safety & Security. Metra. February 24, 2011. Archived from the original on April 18, 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
^ "Police Officer Thomas Alan Cook". odmp.org. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
^ Association of American Railroads (reprinted by Norfolk Southern Railway) (May 16, 2006). "Railroads Set Another Employee Safety Record in 2005". Archived from the original on February 13, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
^ "Most Commuter Rails Won't Meet Deadline For Mandated Safety Systems". npr.org. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
^ abc "FRA Office of Safety Analysis Web Site". Casualties By State, Railroad or Type. Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Safety Analysis. May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
^ "1972, October 30: Illinois Central Commuter Train Crash". Chicago Public Library. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
^ abc HIGHWAY/RAILROAD ACCIDENT REPORT (PDF) (Report). National Transportation Safety Board. 1996. PB96-916202. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
^ Wronski, Richard (September 19, 2012). "Agreement reached in 2003 Metra derailment lawsuit". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
^ Wronski, Richard; Quintanilla, Ray (December 22, 2006). "Human error, Metra blamed in 2005 crash". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
^ "Clifford Settles Violinist Lawsuit Against METRA for $35 Million". March 11, 2002. Retrieved February 11, 2010.
^ Uphues, Bob (September 28, 2005). "Suit filed against railroads in cyclist's death: Metra, BNFS negligence cited as the cause". Riverside Brookfield Landmark. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
^ Beecher, Marshall (December 2015). "Metra adds muscle to its fleet". Trains. 75 (12): 18.
^ "On The Bi-Level - November 2015" (PDF). Metrarail.com. Metra. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
^ Doing Business with Metra Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
^ "Metra to buy 21 former Amtrak locomotives". Global Rail News. February 27, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
^ https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/the-signal/f59phis-arrive-sweet-home-chicago
^ Wronski, Richard (August 13, 2010). "Metra to buy 1st new cars for Electric Line in 5 years". Chicago Breaking News Center. Archived from the original on February 13, 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
Further reading
"Leaders Agree to Push for Metra". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Online, 22 December 2004. Archived from the original on 2005-01-07. Retrieved 2005-01-20.
"Village board seeks Metra extension". McHenry Online. Archived from the original on 2005-02-26. Retrieved 2005-01-20.
"Metra: Driven by its history, A modern Chicago railroad carries its past with it". Trains Magazine, July 2003, by J. David Ingles. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
"The CTA's "Doomsday Budget"-and what it means to Metra riders" (PDF). On the Bi-Level, May 2005 Special Edition. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2005-05-27. Retrieved 2005-06-08.
- J. David Ingles, Metra: "Best Commuter Train", Trains July 1993
External links
Route map:
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